The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticized the Maharashtra Medical Council for failing to update its Register of Medical Practitioners by 2021-22. While significant progress has been made, with 1.4 lakh doctors in the state now registered, the council has issued a warning to those who have yet to renew their registrations. Action will be taken against unregistered doctors, labeling them as "bogus doctors," according to council administrator Dr. Winky Rughwani.
Until 2021-22, 68,665 doctors were required to renew their registrations. However, a CAG audit report pointed out that the register was not updated due to lapses in the renewal process. To address this, the Maharashtra Medical Council launched an online registration system via a mobile app. Out of the 1.9 lakh doctors in the state, 1.4 lakh have completed their registrations through this platform. Efforts to register the remaining doctors are ongoing, with strict action promised against those who fail to comply.
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QR Code for Verification
The council has introduced a QR code system for registered doctors, which must be displayed outside their clinics. Patients and their relatives can scan the QR code using a mobile phone to access the doctor's credentials, ensuring transparency and preventing fraudulent practices.
Some doctors have not renewed their registrations due to age-related issues, while others have relocated abroad for work. These factors have contributed to delays in updating the Register of Medical Practitioners, said Dr. Rughwani. The council has reiterated the importance of timely registration to maintain professional accountability and uphold medical standards in the state.
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