Practice of medicine by non-MBBS: HC seeks response from govt

Updated on: Friday, January 29, 2010

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court today sought a response from the Union Health Secretary on allowing on-MBBS persons to practise medicine to help meet scarcity of doctors in rural areas.

A bench headed by Chief justice A P Shah asked the officer to file his response on a PIL seeking to decriminalise practice of medicine by non-MBBS persons. The court had earlier issued a notice to the government but it was not satisfied by its response.

The court passed the order on a PIL filed by a doctor Meenakshi Gautam seeking it to direct the government to introduce a short-term course for training healthcare workers so that shortage of doctors in rural areas could be overcome.

The petitioner pleaded the Indian Medical Council Act, which provides for one year imprisonment for practise of medicine by non-MBBS persons, should be amended. "The effect of the section is that only a person with MBBS qualification can practice medicine and prescribe a scheduled drug. This section has obstructed the development of mid-level health practitioners who can deliver family health care.

This has led to a situation where a large majority of the population is unable to get treatment," advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, contended. He also pleaded the government should be directed to provide three years course to health workers so that they could provide proper medical services in rural areas.

Practice of medicine by non-MBBS: HC seeks response from govt

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