Hyderabad: TSMC to Launch Online Database of Registered Doctors

In a bid to ensure transparency and authenticity, the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) is set to launch an online database of registered doctors. This user-friendly registry will be accessible to the public, allowing individuals to easily verify the legitimacy of doctors before seeking their consultation.

With over 60,000 doctors enlisted in TSMC, the absence of digital records posed a challenge during council elections. Renewing registrations was particularly difficult as there was no online option available. In the absence of a streamlined process, TSMC introduced a portal during the recent elections, addressing concerns related to certification, renewals, NoCs for practising in other states, and more.

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G Srinivas, vice-chairman, TSMC informed Times of India, "There is so much of quackery in our state... but the public have no way of verifying it. Once a portal with all the basic information is put in place, even the general public can report quacks."

To further enhance the system, TSMC will establish a medical ethics committee tasked with reviewing any errors made by qualified medical professionals. This step is crucial in maintaining the authenticity and credibility of healthcare practitioners in the region.

Quacks, also known as Unqualified Medical Practitioners, have emerged as a threat to society, endangering the safety of general public and the healthcare system. The menace of quackery has been a persistent problem in Hyderabad and throughout the state. In 2022, the doctors attached to the Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA) of Telangana demanded strict action to eradicate quackery from the state.

Taking cognizance of the issue of unregistered medical practitioners prescribing Scheduled drugs, the Healthcare Reform Doctors Association (HRDA) submitted a letter to the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) demanding legal action against such quacks last year. HRDA to initiate criminal proceedings on them as per section 34 of NMC, Sections 20, 21 and 22 of Telangana Medical Practitioners Registration ACT vide Rule 8 of G.O 129 and various other sections like IPC 420 etc.

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