Vishrambaug police book fake doctor

PUNE The Vishrambaug police on Friday arrested a fake doctor for allegedly practicing without proper medical qualification and registration with the medical board.

The accused has been identified as Pandurang Babanrao Devadkar, 40, a resident of Lokmanya Nagar, who was allegedly found running an alternative medicine center in Vishrambaug area. Devadkar allegedly used ancient herbal medicines to treat patients, police said.

A first information report (FIR) was registered on the basis of a complaint by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for violating the Maharashtra Doctors Act, 1961, which prohibits medical practice by unregistered persons.

The complaint was filed by PMC doctor Dr Gopal Ujvankar on behalf of the PMC health department. The FIR was filed following the instructions of the civic body’s anti-fake doctors committee.

Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer and head of anti-fake doctors committee, PMC, informed that a complaint was received on August 26, 2023 against Devadkar for allegedly practicing without qualification and registration.

“The respective medical officials and team visited the clinic and conducted investigations into the qualification of the accused. During the inspection, it was found that Devadkar did not have the required medical qualification and medical registration with the medical board,” he said.

He further added, after which the matter was referred to the PMC legal cell for its opinion. “The FIR was lodged after the legal cell gave its opinion in the case,” he said.

Dr Ujvankar said that during investigations it was found that Devadkar had introduced himself claiming to be an expert in ancient herbal medicines. Despite not having the required qualifications, the patients received alternative medicine treatment.

“The patients were found being treated and consulted. Also, records of patients previously treated by him were found during the inspection,” Dr Ujvankar said.

“PMC health officials have filed the complaint. He has been booked under section 33(1) of the Maharashtra Doctors Act, 1961,” police said.