West Bengal Issues New Protocols to Stop Fake Doctors in Private Hospitals

Kolkata, October 2 – The West Bengal Health Department has released a set of fresh protocols aimed at preventing the hiring of unqualified physicians in private medical facilities. The guidelines require every private hospital or clinic to verify the registration numbers of doctors before offering them a position. Under Rule 7(4) of the Clinical Establishments (Registration, Regulation and Transparency) Act, 2017, institutions must cross‑check all credentials with the state medical council.

Officials say that individuals often masquerade as doctors, using forged certificates and fake registration numbers, which confuses patients and jeopardises safety. The new measures ask licensing authorities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.

If doubts arise regarding a practitioner’s identity, academic qualifications, registration status, or right to practice, the matter must be escalated to the West Bengal Medical Council for rapid verification. Those found providing medical services without valid registration will face strict legal action and severe penalties.

The issue was first highlighted by a coalition of private hospital owners and nursing home associations, which exposed several cases of unregistered personnel delivering care. The West Bengal Doctors’ Forum welcomed the stricter guidelines, urging swift implementation to protect patients.