Telangana: How DCA’s crackdown has broken back of 59 unqualified medical practitioners

Hyderabad: Telangana Drug Control Administration (DCA) has intensified its crackdown against unqualified medical practitioners across the state.

In the last seven months, the DCA conducted a series of raids, leading to the arrest of 59 individuals posing as medical professionals without proper qualifications. These operations resulted in the seizure of medicines worth approximately Rs 40 lakh.

Geographical Scope of Raids

The raids were conducted in Hyderabad, Serilingampally, Rangareddy, Warangal, Medak, Nizamabad, Sangareddy, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Khammam, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Vikarabad, Suryapet, Nalgonda, and Mahabubnagar. This wide-ranging operation underscores the extensive reach of unlicensed medical practice in Telangana.

Notable Incidents and Seizures

Narsingi Raid (January 23, 2024): The largest seizure occurred when DCA officials raided Anvish Clinic in Narsingi, operated by Rahul Kumar Sharma, who falsely claimed to be a 'private Q medical practitioner.' The raid uncovered a stockpile of medicines, including antibiotics, anti-ulcer drugs, painkillers, antitussive drugs, and multivitamins, all worth Rs 5 lakhs. Sharma had no medical qualifications or drug licenses.

Gadepadu Village Raid (February 20, 2024): In Khammam district, DCA officials raided the premises of MD Ismail and G Nageshwar Rao, who identified themselves as 'Rural Medical Practitioners.' The raid led to the seizure of medicines worth Rs 2.30 lakhs, including antibiotics, analgesics, anti-ulcer drugs, and antihypertensives. Both individuals were practicing medicine without any recognized qualifications.

Vayu Clinic Raid (May 2, 2024): A significant bust was made at the Vayu Clinic in Secunderabad, operated by Pullagurla Venkateshwar Reddy, who impersonated an MBBS doctor. The DCA discovered a large quantity of medicines intended for Indian Railways supply, stored without a proper license. Prescription books and doctor stamps with fictitious registration numbers were also found. Medicines worth Rs 1.6 lakh were seized, and a police complaint was filed against Reddy.

Statewide Raids:

Numerous raids were conducted in both urban and rural areas, including in Hyderabad, Warangal, Nizamabad, and other regions. The seizures varied in value, with some stocks worth over Rs. 5 lakh, highlighting the extensive scale of these illegal operations.

Impact on Public Health

The presence of quacks poses a significant risk to public health, as they often prescribe medications without proper diagnosis or understanding of medical conditions. The DCA's actions are crucial in preventing potential health crises stemming from improper medical practices and the use of spurious drugs.

Additional Insights and Preventive Measures

DCA Director-General VB Kamalasan Reddy emphasized the importance of public awareness and vigilance in combating the issue of quackery.

He said: "The public must be cautious and verify the credentials of medical practitioners. The DCA will continue to take strict action against those who endanger public health by operating without proper qualifications."

The DCA has also called on local communities to report any suspicious medical practices or individuals posing as healthcare professionals. The administration is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure thorough investigations and prosecutions in these cases.