Darrang: Man posing as radiologist, diagnostic centre owner arrested

Police in Assam's Darrang district have arrested a man accused of working as a radiologist without the required qualification, along with the owner of the diagnostic centre where he worked, Pratidin Time reported on Wednesday, November 11.

The accused, identified as Ataur Rahman of Mollapara village, was detained at Assam Diagnostic Centre, which stands opposite the Kharupetia Primary Health Centre. The centre's owner, Mainuddin Ahmed of Kuwari Pukhuri village, was also arrested.

Complaint from the Medical Council

Kharupetia police made the arrests after a complaint from the Assam Medical Council about the alleged illegal practice, according to the report. The diagnostic centre has been sealed for alleged violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act. A notice put up at the centre said the action was taken on the direction of the council's anti-quackery and vigilance officer.

Rahman had reportedly completed an MBBS degree in Bangladesh but did not hold the qualification needed to practise as a radiologist. Police allege he had been signing patients' scan reports as a radiologist for a long time.

The centre's signboard carried the names of two doctors, with visiting hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 1 pm. The report did not say whether those doctors were linked to the alleged irregularities, and NEInsider is not naming them. Police have not yet issued a detailed statement on the charges, and further details of the case are awaited.

Why the PC-PNDT Act applies

Ultrasound and other imaging centres in India must be registered under the PC-PNDT Act, which was brought in to stop sex determination of foetuses and the resulting sex-selective abortions. The law requires scans to be performed by qualified and registered professionals, and requires centres to keep detailed records of each procedure. Violations can lead to the sealing of machines and centres, cancellation of registration, fines and imprisonment.

Reports signed by someone without the right training can also lead to wrong diagnoses, putting patients at risk.

Checking a doctor's registration

The Assam Medical Council has an anti-quackery and vigilance wing that acts on complaints about unqualified practitioners. Patients can check whether a doctor is registered on the council's or the National Medical Commission's online registers before seeking treatment.

This report is based on a single outlet, Pratidin Time. NEInsider will update it when police or the Assam Medical Council share more details.