In a decisive move to protect patients from fraudulent medical practices, the Maharashtra government has mandated the use of QR code verification for all registered doctors. This initiative, directed through the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), aims to empower patients to instantly verify the authenticity of their healthcare providers and curb the menace of unqualified 'bogus' practitioners.
QR Codes: A Shield Against Fake Doctors
Minister of State Madhuri Misal recently informed the Legislative Council about this new directive and also revealed that the process to enact a stricter law against fake doctors is currently underway. The state has issued formal instructions to the MMC to implement the QR code system across its registry.
Dr. Vinky Rughwani, the MMC administrator who initiated the project, explained the critical need for this measure. "The healthcare system in Maharashtra continues to face a significant challenge with unlicensed and fraudulent medical practices, which pose a serious threat, particularly in vulnerable and rural areas," he stated. He added that the MMC has consistently taken proactive steps, including identifying and delisting fraudulent practices from its registry.
This initiative is part of the 'Know Your Doctor' campaign. Registered medical practitioners are now encouraged to display a QR code-based KYD (Know Your Doctor) card at their clinics. A patient can simply scan this code with a smartphone to access verified information about the doctor's qualifications and registration status, ensuring transparency and trust.
Implementation Status and Supreme Court Order on MMC Elections
Out of the 2.12 lakh medical practitioners registered with the MMC, approximately 13,700 doctors have already obtained MMC-certified QR codes since the launch of the initiative.
In a related development, the medical community has welcomed a recent Supreme Court order concerning the long-pending elections to the MMC. On January 7, an apex court bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R Mahadevan directed a newly appointed Returning Officer (RO) to conduct the elections. The court specified that the process must start afresh (de novo) and be completed within three months.
Sunil Dhonde, the newly appointed RO, confirmed that polls will have to be conducted within this three-month timeframe, ideally on a Sunday or public holiday to ensure maximum participation from members. The elections had been stalled for years due to legal challenges over the appointment of the previous returning officer.
Medical Fraternity Welcomes the Moves
Dr. Sanjay Patil, chairperson of the Hospital Board of India's Pune Chapter, expressed support for the Supreme Court's order to expedite the MMC elections. The medical fraternity views both the QR code mandate and the revival of the electoral process as crucial steps toward strengthening regulatory oversight and restoring integrity in Maharashtra's healthcare sector.
The Supreme Court, in its order, also directed that the election process be taken to its logical conclusion, warning that any frivolous objections would be dealt with strictly. These combined actions by the state government and the judiciary signal a robust crackdown on medical malpractice and a push for greater accountability within the profession.
