Hyderabad, March 16: It is an undeniable fact that quackery exists in the state, but complete eradication is not immediately possible, said Professor Kodandaram, Chief Advisor to the Government. However, he expressed his readiness to regulate it. He stated that a special committee is necessary for this purpose, and just as there is an Education Commission in the state, a Health Commission should also be established as per the doctors' request.

On Sunday, at the local IMA (Indian Medical Association) headquarters, under the presidency of IMA President Dr. Duvvuru Dwarakanadha Reddy, Secretary Dr. Ashok, and Action Committee Chairman Dr. Ashok Reddy, a discussion was held at the IMA Hall in Koti on the topic of “Quackery as a Threat to Public Health.” In this discussion, Professor Kodandaram expressed his opinion that the quacks who are offering unauthorized medical services should be given proper training, included in the paramedics system, and efforts should be made by all to prevent them from providing dangerous healthcare services to the public.

There was widespread protest from the doctors at the meeting regarding Professor Kodandaram’s proposal. They demanded that just as the government has eradicated fake seeds and fake medicines, it should bring legislation to eradicate quacks from towns and villages by setting a deadline.

Speakers unanimously demanded that everyone should bring pressure on the government to immediately establish a Health Commission in Telangana through the Indian Medical Association, Anti-Microbial Resistance experts, Anti-Quacks Committee, and Jana Vignana Vedika leaders. The discussion on quackery as a threat to public health was held at the IMA Hall in Telangana state.

Later, Finance Secretary Dr. T. Dayalsingh stated that the government should immediately increase funds for the health sector.

Dr. Ramesh, a member of Jana Vignana Darshini, expressed his anguish, saying that due to the government's failure to act properly, unqualified practitioners and quacks have been encouraged in Telangana today. He stated that only if quacks are given proper training as community paramedics can the health of the state be secure.

He added that even now, there are no qualified medical experts in slums and rural areas, and the main reason why 50 percent of the mandal primary health centers lack doctors is because the government failed to train and appoint enough doctors. Because of this, quacks are filling the gap in those areas, said Jana Vignana Vedika member and Urologist Dr. Govind Reddy.

Later, TGPMC Vice Chairman Dr. G. Srinivas stated that they have identified 412 people practicing as quacks on behalf of the NMC and have registered cases against them. He mentioned that in hundreds of cases, due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics by quacks, patients’ organs have failed, resulting in death.

They appealed to MLC Kodandaram to bring pressure on the government to immediately appoint doctors at 24/7 primary healthcare centers and ensure they provide services.

Later, IMA Telangana State President Dr. Kishan appealed to Kodandaram to bring pressure on the government to eradicate quacks from both towns and villages and bring about a healthy Telangana.

MCI member Dr. Pratibha Lakshmi stated that when they conducted raids on quacks in both villages and towns, shocking facts came to light. She mentioned that rural people are suffering greatly.

Dr. Rajitha stated that due to quacks treating people in rural areas by considering our tropical steroids as anti-fungals, many lives have been put at risk, and people are forced to spend lakhs of rupees on small ailments.

Dr. Burri Rangareddy stated that in order to improve public health, it is necessary to develop primary healthcare.

Through Zoom, National Medical Council Chairman Dr. Ravindra Reddy stated that the establishment of nursing homes in cities is a tragedy.

Telangana Junior Doctors Association Vice President Dr. Venkatesh appealed not to encourage quacks for the sake of public health and to protect the right of every person to be treated by a qualified doctor when they become patients.

Dr. Mahalakshmi stated that the government should not encourage quacks and should take steps to prevent them.