Gujarat : Dermatologists to Seek High Court Intervention Against Unqualified Practitioners

Surat: In a move to protect patient safety and uphold professional standards, the Gujarat chapter of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) is gearing up to knock on the doors of the Gujarat High Court. Their target? Unqualified practitioners, particularly those from homeopathic and ayurvedic backgrounds, who are offering dermato-cosmetic treatments without proper qualifications or expertise.

This decision comes after months of frustration for the association. They have already petitioned Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel, the Surat Municipal Corporation, and the Drugs Commissioner of Gujarat about the rampant practice of unqualified doctors in the state.

“These individuals are not qualified skin specialists and are misleading patients,” stated Dr. Priyanka Sutariya, president of IADVL-Gujarat. “Without proper knowledge of dermatology and laser treatments, they are performing all sorts of skin and cosmetic procedures, putting patients’ health at serious risk.”

According to IADVL-Gujarat, these unqualified practitioners often obtain certificates from unrecognized institutes for a mere pittance. Meanwhile, qualified dermatologists undergo rigorous training and earn proper certifications, adhering to strict ethical and professional standards.

The association is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of patients seeking treatment from these unqualified practitioners. Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya, owner of the renowned Sakhiya Skin Clinic in Surat, expressed both the economic and reputational impact on qualified dermatologists. “Not only are these practitioners endangering patients, but they are also unfairly impacting our income and reputation,” he stated.

“The presence of such unqualified individuals undermines all the efforts made by health authorities to enforce regulations and ensure patient safety,” Dr. Sutariya emphasized. “We urge the authorities to take decisive action and impose strict penalties on these individuals, ensuring they immediately stop providing dermato-cosmetic treatments.”

IADVL-Gujarat has proactively offered to assist the authorities in identifying and penalizing these unauthorized practitioners. They have requested a thorough investigation into the matter and have pledged to provide any necessary information or evidence.

“Before approaching the High Court, we humbly request the Gujarat health authorities to take strict action against these unqualified dermatologists,” Dr. Sutariya concluded.

EOM