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.

Incidence

Unauthorized medical practice is a persistent issue worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating that up to 57% of health workers in some low-income countries lack formal qualifications. In the United States, the Federation of State Medical Boards reported over 1,200 cases of unlicensed medical practice between 2017 and 2021. Incidence rates are notably higher in regions with limited access to licensed healthcare professionals.
In 2018, authorities in Mumbai, India, arrested a man posing as a doctor who had been running a clinic for over a decade without any medical degree, treating hundreds of patients and issuing false prescriptions.

Claim

Unauthorized medical practice poses a grave threat to public health and safety. It undermines trust in legitimate healthcare systems, endangers patients through unqualified treatment, and can lead to severe, even fatal, consequences. The proliferation of unlicensed practitioners exploits vulnerable individuals seeking help, often resulting in misdiagnoses and harmful interventions. This issue demands urgent attention and stringent enforcement of regulations to protect patients and uphold the integrity of the medical profession. We must act decisively to combat this critical problem.

Counter-claim

Unauthorized medical practice is often overstated as a significant issue. Many individuals seek alternative treatments out of personal choice, and the vast majority of healthcare is provided by qualified professionals. The occasional rogue practitioner does not overshadow the overall effectiveness and safety of established medical systems. Instead of focusing on this minor concern, we should celebrate the diverse approaches to health and wellness that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care.