Mumbai Homeopath and Assistant Arrested in Chennai for Unauthorized Surgical Procedures
In a startling case of medical malpractice, a Mumbai-based homeopathic doctor and her assistant were apprehended by the Teynampet police in Chennai on Wednesday. The duo had been conducting unauthorized surgical procedures from a makeshift clinic set up within a hotel, capitalizing on the doctor's extensive social media following.
Details of the Raid and Arrest
The operation unfolded following a complaint filed by Kaviyarasan, president of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists. He alerted the office of the Director of Medical and Rural Welfare Services, alleging that Poonam Sharma, 54, was performing surgical interventions without proper authorization in Tamil Nadu. The complaint emphasized that Sharma lacked sufficient medical education and was utilizing surgical equipment intended for allopathic practitioners, contravening a Tamil Nadu government order issued on February 13. This order stipulates that only qualified skin and cosmetic specialists may conduct such surgeries with appropriate facilities.
Acting on the complaint, a team led by Dr. Meenakshi Sundari, Joint Director of Medical and Rural Welfare Services, executed a raid at a hotel located on Kodambakkam High Road. During the operation, Sharma and her receptionist, Shilpa, 44, from Kandappa Mudhali Street, Elephant Gate, were detained. They were subsequently handed over to the Teynampet police at 2 PM.
Background of the Accused and Their Operations
Poonam Sharma, a homeopathic doctor who graduated from Nagpur Homeopathy College in Maharashtra, operates a homeopathy clinic at Nariman Point in Mumbai. She has cultivated a significant online presence, presenting herself as a specialist in ear piercing and ear lobe repair, a procedure known as auroplasty. This treatment is designed for individuals unable to wear earrings due to lobe damage or other issues.
Sharma boasts an impressive digital footprint, having posted over 800 videos on various platforms and claiming to have treated more than 5,000 patients across more than 15 cities nationwide. Her social media popularity played a crucial role in attracting clients, with appointments arranged via mobile phones, often targeting individuals who had previously undergone her treatments.
Investigations revealed that Sharma had visited Chennai three times in the previous year, staying at a hotel in Nungambakkam to provide these services. Clients seeking treatment through WhatsApp were charged a booking fee of Rs 2,000, highlighting the commercial nature of her unauthorized practice.
Legal Actions and Consequences
The Teynampet police registered a case against Sharma and Shilpa under Sections 125, 272, and 318(4), read with Section 15(3) of the Medical Council Act. These charges pertain to violations of medical regulations and unauthorized surgical practices. Following their arrest, both accused were produced before a magistrate court and remanded in judicial custody, pending further legal proceedings.
This incident underscores the risks associated with unregulated medical practices and the importance of adhering to established healthcare protocols. Authorities have reiterated that only licensed professionals with proper facilities should perform surgical procedures to ensure patient safety and compliance with state regulations.
