The Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TMC) has taken action against a doctor illegally practicing in Theni after his license was revoked for a year due to alleged negligence and professional misconduct. Following a cardiac surgery patient's death at a private Chennai hospital, reportedly due to inadequate post-operative care, the TMC suspended his medical license. Additional allegations included unethical financial conduct and fraudulent activities.

Despite the TMC’s cancellation of his license and removal of his name from the state medical register, the doctor did not file an appeal with the National Medical Commission (NMC) within the 60-day deadline, as required. Under the Clinical Establishment Act, only licensed practitioners can work in hospitals and practice medicine. Yet, the doctor reportedly continued practicing without a valid license in Theni.

The TMC has lodged a formal complaint with the Directorate of Medical Services (DMS), which was then forwarded to the Joint Director of Medical Services. The Joint Director will inform private hospitals in the area of the doctor’s disqualification to prevent his illegal practice. The TMC has also alerted the Theni superintendent of police, requesting immediate legal action.

A TMC member described the doctor’s activities as “quackery.” “After his licence was cancelled for one year following an inquiry, he moved to Theni district from Chennai and has been practising,” the TMC official told The New Indian Express.

The TMC released a public statement detailing their decision, which read, “We have taken disciplinary action in the case of Dr. [Name withheld], who faced allegations of medical negligence, unethical financial conduct, professional misconduct, and fraudulent activities. Following an inquiry, the charges were substantiated, and as a result, his name was officially removed from the State Medical Register for a period of one year, as per the council’s final order dated June 5, 2024.”

According to the statement, the doctor received formal notice of his disqualification on July 6, 2024. Despite this, the council reported that he continues to practice without a valid license and has not appealed the decision, violating the council’s mandate and endangering public health.

An official from the DMS commented on the gravity of the situation, saying, “If the doctor is practising without the licence, then it’s equal to quackery. So, the private hospital in which he is practising will be informed about it.”

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)