The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) has initiated a coordinated statewide drive to identify and act against individuals practising modern medicine without recognised qualifications. The initiative was announced on January 18, 2026, in Vijayawada, by APMC Chairman Dr. Daggumati Srihari Rao, marking a structured effort to curb unregulated medical practice across Andhra Pradesh.
The council stated that the campaign focuses on protecting patients from unsafe medical care delivered by persons who are neither registered nor trained under approved medical education systems.
The enforcement drive targets individuals offering diagnosis, treatment, prescriptions or medical procedures without valid registration under recognised medical councils. This includes persons operating clinics, laboratories or treatment centres while falsely claiming medical credentials or using misleading titles.
APMC officials clarified that only practitioners registered under legally recognised medical systems are authorised to practise modern medicine. Any deviation from this framework is considered a violation of medical and public health regulations.
Unqualified medical practice remains a documented public health concern due to its association with delayed diagnosis, inappropriate drug use and unsafe procedures. Individuals without formal training may prescribe antibiotics, pain medications or injections without understanding correct dosages, contraindications or adverse effects.
Health authorities have repeatedly observed that such practices increase the risk of drug resistance, treatment complications and avoidable morbidity. The council emphasised that enforcement is necessary to ensure that medical care adheres to established safety and ethical standards.
The APMC has directed its anti-quackery committee to work closely with district administrations and law enforcement agencies. The operational plan includes field inspections, verification of medical credentials, issuance of show-cause notices and the collection of documentary evidence.
Clinics found operating illegally may be sealed, and cases may be forwarded for legal action under applicable laws. The council has also requested registered doctors and local communities to report suspected cases of illegal practice to support timely intervention.
The enforcement drive will cover urban, semi-urban and rural areas across Andhra Pradesh. Officials confirmed that inspections will be conducted on an ongoing basis rather than as a one-time operation, allowing authorities to respond to complaints and emerging reports throughout the state.
The council indicated that particular attention will be paid to areas with limited access to formal healthcare, where unqualified practitioners often operate unchecked.
Alongside enforcement, the APMC announced steps to strengthen compliance among qualified practitioners. These include plans to deploy mobile units to assist with doctor registration and licence renewal, especially in remote districts. The council stated that reducing administrative barriers may discourage informal or unregistered practice.
In addition, the APMC reiterated existing welfare provisions, including financial support for families of deceased doctors, as part of broader efforts to reinforce professional accountability and trust in the healthcare system.
(Rh/SS/MSM)
