Damoh Deaths Expose A Chilling Truth: Medicine Without Degrees — Quacks Rule Bhopal’s Lanes!

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Just like in Damoh, quack doctors continue to operate openly in Bhopal, treating patients without any formal medical degrees or diplomas. These self-proclaimed practitioners claim expertise derived from "parental" and traditional medical practices.

Recently, Damoh made headlines when a fake doctor allegedly performed heart surgeries at Christian Mission Hospital, leading to death of seven patients.

Despite such alarming incidents, unauthorised medical practice continues unchecked in Bhopal.

Several quacks running clinics in areas like Peer Gate, Old City and near government offices claim they treat ailments better than conventional doctors. They said that their experience and traditional knowledge often offer relief when allopathy fails.

Dr Rakesh Pandey, national spokesperson for the Ayush Doctors Association, said, “In Madhya Pradesh, the law does not permit non-allopathy doctors to prescribe allopathic medicines. Each practitioner should stick to their own system of medicine.”

He said that although Ayush doctors were once allowed to prescribe modern medicine due to their training, that allowance is no longer valid. Rajiv Singhal, general secretary of All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), said that the Union government once proposed allowing Ayush doctors to prescribe 80 allopathic medicines to improve healthcare access in rural areas.

However, the bill faced nationwide protests and was never introduced in Parliament.

This is my family's traditional practice, so I continued it. My clinic is at Peer Gate. Even employees from Vallabh Bhavan, Satpura and Vindhyachal Bhavan consult me. They come when allopathy fails. Experience and correct diagnosis matter more than a degree.

Shabir Khan

We provide special oils and medicines for issues like chikungunya-related body pain. When patients don’t find relief in allopathy, they turn to us. I don’t have a diploma or degree, but I use branded oils and traditional remedies

Najmuddin Saifi

My father ran this clinic and now I’m continuing it as he’s unwell. Allopathic dental treatments are expensive. We offer affordable solutions for toothaches and cavities. Many patients prefer our treatment over high-cost clinics Mohammed Museb

Dental practitioner