Medical Quackery Exposed: 35 Fake Online Doctors Prescribed Medication for Infertility, Obesity

35 individuals posing as doctors on social media are now under investigation by the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) for offering unqualified treatment and advice on serious health issues like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and infertility. What's even more alarming is that some of these self-proclaimed health experts have amassed a massive following online, ranging from 1 - 2 lakh followers, who may have been misled by their false claims of expertise.

A shocking number of unqualified individuals are posing as doctors, with some even working in small to mid-sized hospitals. Others are taking to social media, appearing in videos where they falsely claim to specialize in medical treatments such as diabetes reversal and pancreas detoxification. In a blatant attempt to appear credible, these impostors often don stethoscopes, despite having no legitimate medical qualifications.

In a previous incident, the TSMC caught an individual impersonating a doctor, despite having no formal medical training. Remarkably, this person had no paramedic degree yet falsely presented themselves online as a specialized ICU emergency expert.

The suspects include self-proclaimed "experts" who use online videos to promote medications or health supplements for various conditions. One individual under investigation by the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) falsely claims to specialize in cosmetics and personal care, despite having a background in hospitality.

This individual has been discovered to regularly prescribe medications for various health concerns, encompassing obesity, skin discoloration, and sexual health issues. Alarmingly, this fake doctor has amassed a significant following of over 3 lakh individuals.

According to Dr. Naresh Kumar, a member of the Telangana State Medical Council's anti-quackery division, some of these impostors even host live online sessions, offering medical treatments to unsuspecting individuals despite having no legitimate medical training. Dr. Naresh Kumar noted that in one instance, a hospital took swift action and terminated the employment of an individual found to be practicing medicine without proper qualifications.

As per the law, providing medical or nutritional advice to the public through any medium, including videos and online sessions, is strictly reserved for two groups of professionals: those holding a qualified MBBS degree and certified nutritionists.

According to Dr. G Srinivas, Chairman of the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC), unqualified individuals are prohibited from offering nutritional advice, prescribing medications, or impersonating doctors in hospitals. These actions are considered impersonation and can lead to severe consequences.

In fact, the TSMC has taken strict action, raiding 20 clinics found to be operating outside the law. This crackdown highlights the importance of ensuring that only qualified professionals provide medical advice and treatment to protect public health and safety.

A crackdown by the TSMC officials has revealed shocking violations, including unqualified professionals prescribing powerful medications, such as infertility drugs, pregnancy-inducing drugs, and steroids, to pediatric patients. The investigation led to the raid of 20 clinics operating without qualified medical professionals.

The TGMC chairman announced that they are taking legal action against unqualified medical practitioners, filing 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) in Gajwel under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)