Doctors' ‘cut practice’ could become a punishable offence

The Maharashtra government could soon be the first state in the country to enact a legislation against the popular 'cut' or commission practice prevalent among doctors.

The state government is planning to come up with a stringent law that will punish offending doctors. The issue has been simmering since the Asian Heart Institute at the Bandra Kurla Complex took a stand against the practice, put up hoardings outside its premises and held a media conference last week to focus attention on the issue. The state government took cognizance of the fight put up by the doctors and decided to act against it.

Fight gets justice
Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar, a doctor practising in Mahad in Maharashtra, initiated the struggle against the 'cut' practice of doctors in 2006. It has taken almost 11 years for the state government to finally decide upon enacting a legislation to deal with the issue. This act will have the powers to prosecute not just the guilty doctor but the hospital as well.

Committee formed
The state government has formed a committee to prepare the draft for the same. This committee comprises state’s former police director general Pravin Dixit, KEM hospital dean Dr. Avinash Supe, Prince Ali Khan hospital director Dr. Sanjay Oak, Maharashtra Medical Council Dr. Abhay Chowdhary, Asian Heart Institute vice president Dr. Ramakant Panda, Indian Medical Association member, paediatrician Dr. Yashwant Amdekar and dermatologist Dr. Amit Karkhanis.

“We have got suggestions and votes from doctors. Be it doctors, doctor’s organizations or the common man, everyone should give their suggestions regarding the law. After considering the votes, we will prepare the draft,” said Pravin Dikshit, state’s former police DG.

What will be the punishment?
- Doctors can be jailed for three months
- Fine of INR 5,000
- Fine of INR 25,000 for a repeat offence

"This winter session, we will present the draft to the state government. We are also studying the punishment given in ‘cut practice’ in other parts of the country,” said Dr. Hemant Bawaskar.