Mumbai: A woman claiming to be a doctor has been booked for cheating after authorities discovered that she had been practicing medicine for years using forged documents. The accused, Sachi Ajit Dalvi, had been operating a clinic in Samta Nagar, Kandivali East, since 2016, prescribing medicines without valid qualifications. The investigation revealed that Dalvi’s credentials included a forged Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Alternative Medicine.
The complaint against Dalvi was filed by Swapnil Mahale, a medical officer with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This action followed a citizen’s complaint that raised suspicions about Dalvi’s qualifications, prompting the BMC to conduct a background check. During the inquiry, Dr. Yogita Garasiya, an assistant medical officer from Borivali, obtained a copy of Dalvi’s certificate from the India Board of Alternative Medicines on October 9, 2024.
Further verification by the Maharashtra Council of Indian Medicines confirmed that no such degree had been issued by the council. Authorities concluded that Dalvi had forged her PhD in Alternative Medicine and had been using the fake certificate to falsely present herself as a doctor.
Based on these findings, the BMC filed an official complaint, and Samta Nagar police registered a case against Dalvi under relevant sections for forgery and cheating. Investigators believe that Dalvi treated numerous patients over the years, deceiving them with her false medical identity.
This incident has raised concerns about the risks of unqualified individuals practicing medicine and the need for stricter regulatory checks. As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the accused’s activities and their impact on public health.
Authorities have emphasized the need for stricter regulatory oversight to prevent unqualified individuals from endangering public health. The BMC has assured citizens that appropriate legal action will be taken to address the fraudulent activities uncovered in the investigation. As the probe continues, officials aim to identify the extent of Sachi Ajit Dalvi’s operations and any potential harm caused to patients treated under her care. The incident serves as a warning to patients to remain cautious and verify the qualifications of healthcare providers before seeking medical advice or treatment.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
