Fake Doctor in Assam Arrested During C-Section Surgery

In a startling incident that has shocked many in Assam, Pulok Malakar, a man pretending to be a qualified doctor, was caught red-handed while performing a Caesarean section (C-section) surgery at a well-known hospital in Silchar. What makes this case particularly alarming is that Malakar had been working as a fake doctor for over ten years, during which he performed at least 50 C-sections and other gynecological surgeries at private hospitals in the area.

Malakar claimed to have medical degrees, including an MBBS and a CDM (Certificate in Disaster Management), but after an investigation by the police and the Assam health authorities, all his documents were found to be fake. The CDM certificate, which is not related to medical practice, only added to the deception. More troubling is that he was able to gain access to a reputed hospital— the Shiv Sundari Nari Shiksha Seva Ashram Hospital, established in 1931 and known for serving poor and underprivileged women in the region.

This incident was uncovered following an anti-quackery initiative led by Dr. Abhijit Neog, who is now the vigilance officer of the Assam Council of Medical Registration’s anti-quackery cell. Malakar is reportedly the 50th fake doctor arrested in Assam under this crackdown, which aims to protect vulnerable communities, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, from medical fraud.

The arrest happened in the middle of surgery, raising serious concerns about patient safety and hospital oversight. Authorities are now examining the medical records of Malakar’s patients to understand the full impact of his illegal practice. The hospital management and staff are also under scrutiny to investigate how such a major lapse in verification and patient care could happen at a respected institution.

This case has brought to light the challenges faced by the healthcare system in rural and underserved areas, where fake doctors sometimes exploit the lack of strict enforcement and reach among the population. People often trust whoever wears a white coat, but this story serves as a reminder that proper credentials and hospital checks are crucial.

Officials and health experts suggest that while awareness campaigns and strict registration procedures are essential, better training and vetting of hospital personnel are also needed to prevent such incidents. The government of Assam has intensified its efforts to arrest and stop quacks, but this case shows that constant vigilance is required.

For patients and families, this incident may cause fear and mistrust towards healthcare providers, especially in small towns. It underscores the importance of asking for proof of qualifications from medical practitioners and reporting any suspicious activity.

In the end, the arrest of Pulok Malakar is a warning sign for all healthcare institutions to strengthen their control systems and for authorities to continuously monitor medical practitioners to ensure public safety. The balance between providing accessible healthcare and ensuring it is safe and qualified remains a critical challenge for Assam and other regions facing similar issues.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies