Fake doctors go online, offer treatment on major illnesses

Hyderabad: As many as 35 individuals posing as doctors and offering treatment and advice related to obesity, diabetes, hypertension and infertility on social media are now under investigation by Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC). Some of these self-proclaimed health experts have online followers numbering anywhere between 1 lakh and 2 lakh.Claim themselves ‘experts'While some work in small to mid-sized hospitals, others appear in videos claiming to specialize in diabetes reversal, pancreas detoxification, and other medical treatments, all while wearing stethoscopes despite lacking medical qualifications.In an earlier case, a person who was nabbed by TSMC for impersonating as a doctor, did not even possess a paramedic degree, but was posing online as an ICU emergency specialist.Among the suspects are the so-called ‘experts' who recommend drugs or health supplements for various conditions through their videos. One such individual, who is currently under scrutiny by TSMC, identifies as a cosmetic, and personal care specialist with a background in ‘hospitality'. The person also used to frequently issue prescriptions for a range of issues — from obesity to skin discoloration and sexual health problems. This fake doctor has over 3 lakh followers."Some of these impostors host live sessions, offering treatments to unsuspecting individuals without any legitimate medical training," explained Dr Naresh Kumar, an anti-quackery member of the TSMC. As a result, the hospital terminated the individual, Dr Naresh said.Under the law, only qualified MBBS doctors or certified nutritionists are authorized to provide medical or nutritional advice to the public through videos, online sessions, or any other medium."An untrained person offering any nutritional advice, prescribing medications, drugs, or posing as a doctor inside a hospital setting is not allowed as per the law. Such actions are considered impersonation and are punishable," said Dr G Srinivas, Chairman of TSMC. 20 clinics raidedUnqualified professionals prescribing infertility drugs, pregnancy-inducing drugs, and steroids to paediatric patients were some of the grave violations found by TSMC officials. They raided 20 clinics run by unqualified persons."We are filing 10 FIRs in Gajwel under the NMC Act," the TGMC chairman said.