Quacks prey on villagers in Himachal’s border belt

Unqualified and unregistered medical practitioners, commonly known as quacks, have been flourishing with impunity in the interstate Nurpur police district for several years. Operating mostly in rural and remote areas of this border region, these so-called doctors exploit the ignorance of villagers and the lack of adequate government-backed healthcare facilities. Many of them hail from neighbouring Punjab and target unsuspecting residents, who are left with little option but to seek treatment at their unauthorised clinics.

The situation has become alarming, particularly in areas where access to qualified doctors and medical institutions is limited. Locals allege that despite repeated complaints, the State Drug Control Authority has failed to take effective action against this growing menace.

However, a breakthrough came recently after a local resident filed a complaint through the Chief Minister’s Helpline. Acting on the directive, the State Drug Control Authority swung into action. On Wednesday, Drug Inspector Piar Chand Thakur, accompanied by health department field staff, raided an illegal clinic in Haar Gatla village under Sadwan gram panchayat. The clinic was being run for over two years by Aslam Deen, a resident of Gurdaspur district in Punjab, who had no medical qualifications whatsoever.

During the inspection, authorities found that the offender had rented a shop from a local resident to carry out his illegal practice. A large stock of medicines and medical supplies was seized, all of which were being used without authorisation. The Drug Inspector confirmed that Aslam Deen neither possessed a licence to sell medicines nor had any degree to practice medicine. Consequently, a case was registered against him under Section 18C of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The landlord has since evicted the tenant from the premises. Meanwhile, the Drug Inspector announced that a special drive is being launched in the interstate border areas to identify and shut down illegal clinics. Offenders were warned to voluntarily shut their operations or face stern action from the State Drug Control Authority. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger enforcement and improved healthcare facilities in rural regions, to protect vulnerable communities from the dangers of quackery.