Gauhati High Court Directs Assam Government to Respond to Anti-Quackery Proposals by March 12
The Gauhati High Court has issued a significant directive to the Assam government, requiring a formal response to comprehensive proposals aimed at controlling medical quackery across the state. The court has set a firm deadline of March 12 for the state administration to submit its position on these crucial recommendations.
Court-Mandated Anti-Quackery Proposals
Acting on specific directions from the Gauhati High Court, the anti-quackery and vigilance officer of the Assam Council of Medical Registration has submitted a detailed set of suggestions to combat unqualified medical practitioners. These proposals come as part of an ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) originally filed in 2023, highlighting the persistent issue of quackery in Assam's healthcare system.
The bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury had previously directed petitioner Abhijit Neog – who serves as the anti-quackery and vigilance officer – to file an affidavit detailing both steps already taken and future suggestions for identifying quacks. This directive was issued in August of last year, setting in motion the current legal proceedings.
Key Recommendations to Combat Medical Fraud
The submitted proposals outline a multi-faceted approach to addressing medical quackery in Assam. Among the most significant recommendations is the creation of a central monitoring and coordinating committee that would oversee district-level anti-quackery units currently operating across all districts of the state.
The suggested composition of this central committee includes:
- The Director of Health Services, Assam
- The Registrar of the Assam Council of Medical Registration
- The Registrar of the State Council of Indian Medicines (SCIM) or an officer deputed by the Directorate of Ayush, Assam
- A police officer with relevant expertise
- Representatives from recognized medical professional bodies such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA)
- Law officers to ensure proper legal framework
Additional Measures Proposed
Beyond the central committee, several other important suggestions have been placed before the court:
- Online Database Creation: Establishment of a comprehensive online database containing details of all doctors properly registered with the Assam Council of Medical Registration, allowing for easy verification of medical credentials.
- Toll-Free Helpline: Allocation of a dedicated toll-free helpline number specifically for reporting suspected quacks, making it easier for citizens to alert authorities about fraudulent medical practitioners.
- Specialized Anti-Quackery Cell: Setting up an additional anti-quackery cell under the home and political department, modeled on successful specialized units like the cyber crime cell, narcotic cell, vigilance & anti-corruption wing, and women and child helpline cell, with specially trained officers.
Current Anti-Quackery Efforts and Legal Proceedings
During court proceedings, petitioner's counsel I Chowdhury informed the bench about the progress made since the appointment of the anti-quackery officer. The vigilance cell has already identified 47 alleged quacks, with First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against most of them and some arrests already made.
However, counsel also highlighted a significant operational challenge: while anti-quackery units have been constituted in all districts and operate under the supervision of the Director of Health Services, Assam, the petitioner has "no clear idea about their functioning", underscoring the need for better coordination and oversight.
Government Response and Future Considerations
Additional Advocate General B Gogoi, representing the state government, submitted that efforts have been consistently made to control quackery in Assam. He assured the court that the petitioner's suggestions would be carefully considered and, where appropriate, incorporated into existing measures being undertaken by the state administration.
Gogoi further indicated that the possibility of establishing a statutory framework specifically for controlling quackery would be contemplated at the government level. Should such a framework be developed, it would be formally communicated to the court as part of the ongoing legal process.
The next hearing in this crucial matter has been scheduled for March 12, when the Assam government is expected to present its comprehensive response to the anti-quackery proposals and outline its strategy for addressing medical fraud across the state.
