Punjab Medical Council Suspends Four Doctors for Fake Qualifications, Unethical Practices

The Punjab Medical Council has taken disciplinary action against four doctors, permanently barring them from practicing medicine due to fraudulent qualification claims and unethical practices. The decision comes after thorough investigations revealed serious violations of the Punjab Medical Registration Act 1916 and the Code of Medical Ethics Regulation 2002.

The council’s investigation uncovered that these doctors had been practicing without valid registrations while falsely claiming advanced medical qualifications they did not possess. According to council officials, the debarment is part of a broader crackdown on fraudulent medical practices that endanger public health and undermine the integrity of the medical profession.

“This action sends a clear message that the Punjab Medical Council has zero tolerance for those who misrepresent their credentials,” said a senior council member who requested anonymity. “Patient safety is our paramount concern, and practitioners who deceive the public about their qualifications pose a significant risk.”

The investigation was triggered by complaints from patients and fellow medical professionals who had expressed concerns about the doctors’ practices. Council officials conducted surprise inspections at the doctors’ clinics and verified their educational credentials with the institutions they claimed to have attended.

Medical regulatory experts note that this case highlights a persistent problem in India’s healthcare system. Dr. Anil Kumar, a healthcare policy analyst based in Delhi, explained, “Credential fraud in medicine is particularly dangerous because it directly impacts patient care. These individuals may lack the training to diagnose conditions properly or perform procedures safely.”

The Punjab Medical Council’s action is consistent with a nationwide effort to strengthen oversight of medical practitioners. In recent years, several state medical councils have intensified verification processes and taken stronger action against those practicing with fraudulent credentials.

According to healthcare regulatory data, cases of qualification fraud have seen an uptick in the past five years, with over 200 doctors facing disciplinary action across India. The Medical Council of India (now National Medical Commission) has repeatedly urged state councils to implement more rigorous verification processes for medical licenses.

For patients, identifying legitimate medical practitioners can be challenging. Health advocates recommend that patients verify their doctors’ credentials through official medical council websites or request to see registration certificates in clinics.

The debarred doctors will no longer be permitted to practice medicine in Punjab, and their names have been removed from the state’s medical register. The council has also notified neighboring state medical councils and the National Medical Commission about the action to prevent these individuals from obtaining registration elsewhere.

Legal experts point out that the doctors could potentially face criminal charges if evidence suggests they knowingly misrepresented their qualifications for financial gain. Under the Indian Penal Code, such actions could constitute fraud and criminal misrepresentation.

The council has also initiated a public awareness campaign urging patients to report suspicious practices and verify their healthcare providers’ credentials. Digital verification systems are being enhanced to make it easier for the public to check doctors’ qualifications online.

Medical associations across Punjab have welcomed the council’s decision, emphasizing that such actions help preserve public trust in the medical profession. “The overwhelming majority of doctors practice ethically and with proper qualifications,” said Dr. Ravinder Singh, president of a prominent medical association in Punjab. “Strict action against those who don’t helps maintain the reputation of the profession as a whole.”

The council has indicated that this action is part of ongoing regulatory efforts, with several other cases currently under investigation. Officials have promised more stringent monitoring of medical practice across the state, including regular verification of credentials and practice standards.