Unauthorized medical practice

Nature

Unauthorized medical practice is the illegal practice of medicine as a profession by a person who has not had the appropriate medical education or is debarred from practice. It is a criminal offence.

Background

Unauthorized medical practice emerged as a global concern in the early 20th century, as advances in medicine highlighted the dangers posed by unqualified individuals providing healthcare. High-profile cases of harm and the proliferation of fraudulent practitioners prompted international scrutiny and regulatory responses. Over time, increased mobility, technological advances, and disparities in healthcare access have further complicated efforts to monitor and control unauthorized practice, underscoring its persistent relevance across diverse regions and health systems.

Incidence

Unauthorized medical practice remains a persistent global issue, with incidents reported across both developed and developing countries. The problem is exacerbated by shortages of licensed healthcare professionals, high treatment costs, and limited access to medical services, leading individuals to seek care from unqualified practitioners. Regulatory agencies worldwide regularly uncover illegal clinics, fraudulent medical degrees, and unlicensed surgeries, highlighting the widespread and ongoing nature of this threat to public health.
In 2023, authorities in Mumbai, India, arrested several individuals operating a clandestine clinic where unlicensed practitioners performed medical procedures, including surgeries, without proper qualifications or oversight, endangering numerous patients.

Claim

Unauthorized medical practice is a grave and urgent problem that endangers countless lives. Allowing unqualified individuals to provide medical care leads to misdiagnosis, harmful treatments, and even death. This reckless disregard for professional standards undermines public trust in healthcare and puts vulnerable people at risk. Strict enforcement and public awareness are essential to stop this dangerous trend before more innocent lives are irreparably harmed. Society cannot afford to ignore this critical issue.

Counter-claim

The so-called issue of unauthorized medical practice is vastly overstated. In reality, most individuals seeking to help others with medical advice or care do so out of genuine concern, not malice. Strict regulations only create unnecessary barriers, limiting access to care for those in need. Instead of obsessing over credentials, we should focus on outcomes and compassion. This “problem” is a distraction from more pressing healthcare challenges.