Public health took center stage in Cachar as Assam Police apprehended an unlicensed medical practitioner in a targeted enforcement drive. The bust reveals systemic issues in regulating alternative medicine in underserved districts.
Operating under the radar for years, the quack doctor had built a reputation among villagers for treating chronic ailments with herbal concoctions laced with allopathic drugs. Complaints surged after a young patient suffered severe allergic reactions, prompting police to launch a surveillance operation.
The dramatic arrest occurred at dusk, with sleuths recovering hazardous substances including steroids and antibiotics stored haphazardly. No valid license or degree was found, confirming the man’s fraudulent status. Interrogations have uncovered a pattern of misdiagnosis and over-medication, endangering hundreds.
Assam authorities have intensified patrols following a spike in quack-related incidents, aligning with national directives from the Indian Medical Association. The state government’s ‘No Quack Zone’ policy now includes hefty fines and imprisonment for offenders.
Medical professionals highlight the risks: quacks often delay proper treatment, leading to complications like organ failure. In Cachar, where healthcare facilities are stretched thin, such practices fill a void but at a deadly cost. The arrested individual faces charges that could land him years behind bars.
Residents are relieved, with many sharing stories of narrow escapes. Police have set up a helpline for reporting suspicious clinics, promising anonymity. This action not only removes one threat but sets a precedent for holistic reform, including training village health workers and expanding PHCs.
Looking ahead, sustained efforts are crucial to root out quackery, ensuring every citizen receives ethical, evidence-based care.