The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) is set to introduce QR codes for every doctor registered with the council in the state. The initiative, expected to be implemented within two weeks, aims to empower patients by providing access to a doctor's credentials, including their qualifications and MMC registration number.

The decision to introduce QR codes comes as part of an effort to prevent patients from seeking treatment from unqualified practitioners. Currently, MMC has over two lakh registered doctors, of whom 1.44 lakh have renewed their registrations. The QR codes will be issued only to those who have completed their registration renewal.

Dr Vinky Rughwani, Administrator, MMC, emphasized the importance of the initiative in protecting patients from fraudulent medical practitioners. “Many people suffer from side effects or even fatalities due to treatment by unqualified doctors. We have received several complaints regarding this issue. Since MMC lacks the authority to directly penalize fake doctors, we decided to implement this system to help patients and their families identify legitimate medical professionals,” he said.

The QR codes will be accessible via mobile devices and must be prominently displayed at doctors' clinics. “When patients visit a clinic, they will be able to scan the QR code to verify the doctor’s name, qualifications, registration number, and registration validity,” Dr Rughwani added.

MMC, established in 1912, is a quasi-judicial body regulating medical education and ethics in Maharashtra. It also handles complaints of medical negligence. With over 1.8 lakh registered doctors, the council processes approximately 9,000 new registrations annually.

MMC Elections Scheduled for April

Meanwhile, after more than two years without a governing body, MMC is set to elect a new committee, with elections scheduled for April this year. The state government has announced that voting will take place on April 3 through a secret ballot at district headquarters under the supervision of district collectors.

The 18-member MMC has been without an elected committee since August 7, 2022, when its previous term expired. Dr Pallavi Saple, Dean of Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, was appointed as administrator for a year following the dissolution. After her term ended on October 9, 2023, additional charge was handed over to Dr Dilip Mhaisekar, Director of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER). Subsequently, Dr Rughwani, former MMC Vice President, was appointed as administrator and has since expedited the council’s registration services.

According to an official from the medical education department, nine of the 18 committee members will be elected. The deadline for filing nomination papers is February 18.