BMC issues notices to P North Ward clinics for practicing allopathy without registration
On June 27, the Health Department of the P North Ward in Mumbai issued a series of legal notices to private clinics operating within its jurisdiction for allegedly practicing allopathic medicine without the mandatory registration. The action targets clinics in the P North (P-East) Ward where officials found unauthorized allopathic treatments being provided.
Under Maharashtra law, any medical practitioner practicing modern scientific medicine, or allopathy, must possess an MBBS degree. Additionally, they must be registered with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).
The BMC Health Department initiated the crackdown following recent inspections. During these visits, ward officials discovered several clinics where allopathic treatments were allegedly being administered to patients without the required MMC registration.
The civic body has directed the clinic operators to immediately cease all unauthorized medical activities and stop practicing allopathic medicine. The legal notices warned that failure to comply with these directives could result in stringent legal action. This includes the registration of criminal offenses such as cheating, the sealing of clinics, and potential arrests.
Health officials clarified that the practitioners have not been declared "fake doctors" at this stage of the investigation. Currently, the educational qualifications, professional credentials, and medical licenses of the practitioners are being verified. The initial action was taken based on prima facie findings that the clinics lacked the mandatory MMC registration required to practice allopathy.
According to sources in the ward's Medical Health Department, the drive was launched following complaints from patients regarding unauthorized medical practices in the area. Over the past month, the ward has issued multiple legal notices to clinics across its jurisdiction as part of its enforcement campaign.
BMC officials stated that the civic body remains committed to ensuring that only qualified and registered medical practitioners provide allopathic treatment. Officials added that inspections will continue and strict action will be taken against those found violating the law to safeguard public health and patient safety.
