Vishrambaug police have registered a bogus doctor

PUNE The Vishrambaug police on Friday arrested a bogus doctor for allegedly practicing without proper medical qualifications and registration with the medical board.

The accused has been identified as 40-year-old Pandurang Babanrao Devadkar, a resident of Lokmanya Nagar, who was allegedly identified by the management of an alternative medicine center in Vishrambaug area. According to police, Devadkar allegedly used ancient herbal medicines to treat patients.

The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on the basis of a complaint by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) alleging violation of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961, which prohibits the practice of medicine by unregistered persons.

The complaint was filed by PMC medical officer Dr. Gopal Ujvankar on behalf of the PMC health department. The FIR was lodged as per the guidelines of the NGO’s anti-fake doctors committee.

Dr Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Medical Officer and Chairman, Anti-Fake Doctors Committee, PMC, said that on August 26, 2023, a complaint was received against Devadkar for allegedly practicing without qualification and registration.

“The relevant medical staff and team visited the clinic and conducted an investigation into the qualifications of the accused. During the verification, it was found that Devadkar does not have the required medical qualification and registration with the medical council,” he said.

He further added, after which the matter was referred to the legal department of the PMC for an opinion. “The FIR was filed after the legal team gave its opinion in the case,” he said.

Dr Ujvankar said during the investigation it was found that Devadkar had put up a board about himself claiming to be an expert in ancient medicinal herbs. Despite the lack of necessary qualifications, patients received treatment using alternative medicine.

“Patients were identified for treatment and consultation. Also, records of patients he had treated earlier were found during the verification,” said Dr. Ujvankar.

“PMC health workers filed a complaint. He was booked under Section 33(1) of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961,” the police said.