Mumbai Homeopathic Doctor and Assistant Arrested for Unauthorized Surgical Procedures in Chennai Hotel
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 was found conducting unauthorized surgical procedures from a makeshift clinic established within a city hotel, capitalizing on the doctor's substantial social media following.
Doctor's Background and Online Presence
Poonam Sharma, 54, a graduate of Nagpur Homeopathy College in Maharashtra, operates a homeopathy clinic at Nariman Point in Mumbai. However, she presented herself on various online platforms as a specialist in ear piercing and ear lobe repair, a procedure known as auroplasty. This treatment is designed for individuals who are unable to wear earrings due to lobe damage or other issues.
Sharma boasted of performing an "ear hole repair" and claimed to have treated over 5,000 patients across more than 15 cities in India. Her online activity included posting more than 800 videos showcasing her work, which helped her build a significant following and attract clients through digital channels.
Complaint and Raid by Medical Authorities
The illicit operations came to light when Kaviyarasan, president of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists, filed a formal complaint. He alerted the office of the Director of Medical and Rural Welfare Services in Tamil Nadu, alleging that Sharma was performing surgical procedures without proper authorization, adequate medical education, and using equipment intended for allopathic doctors.
The complaint referenced a Tamil Nadu government order issued on February 13, which stipulates that only qualified skin and cosmetic specialists are permitted to conduct such surgeries, and only in facilities that meet regulatory standards. In response, a team led by Dr. Meenakshi Sundari, Joint Director of Medical and Rural Welfare Services, conducted a raid at a hotel located on Kodambakkam High Road.
Arrest and Investigation Details
During the raid, Sharma and her receptionist, Shilpa, 44, from Kandappa Mudhali Street, Elephant Gate, were detained. They were subsequently handed over to the Teynampet police at approximately 2 PM. The police registered a case under Sections 125, 272, and 318(4), read with Section 15(3) of the Medical Council Act, which pertain to unauthorized medical practice and related offenses.
Investigations revealed that Sharma had visited Chennai three times in the previous year, staying at a hotel in Nungambakkam to provide her so-called 'treatments.' She managed appointments via mobile phone, primarily with individuals who had previously undergone her procedures. Additionally, it was discovered that prospective patients contacting her through WhatsApp were required to pay a booking fee of Rs 2,000. Following their arrest, both accused were produced before a magistrate court and remanded to judicial custody.
Broader Implications and Legal Actions
This incident underscores the growing concerns over unregulated medical practices facilitated by social media platforms. Authorities emphasize the risks associated with such unauthorized procedures, which can lead to severe health complications due to the lack of proper training, sterile environments, and regulatory oversight.
The arrest serves as a warning to others engaging in similar activities and highlights the vigilance of medical associations and law enforcement in combating medical malpractice. The case continues to be under investigation, with further legal proceedings expected to follow.
