MMC Introduces QR-Based ‘Know Your Doctor’ System for Transparency

This initiative aims to provide patients with verified information about their doctors, including credentials, licenses, specializations, and expertise.

The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has mandated all registered doctors to display a QR-code-based ‘Know Your Doctor’ card in their clinics.

This initiative aims to provide patients with verified information about their doctors, including credentials, licenses, specializations, and expertise.

The MMC, a quasi-judicial body regulating allopathic practitioners in the state, has made it compulsory for its 1.4 lakh registered doctors to download and showcase the QR code in their clinics. The council emailed doctors to notify them about the system’s availability.

According to Dr Suhas Pingle, a former elected representative of MMC, this digital verification method is expected to strengthen patient trust and curb unauthorized medical practice. "This simple QR system will effectively combat unauthorized medical practice," he stated.

Addressing the Issue of Unlicensed Practice

The initiative is part of MMC’s efforts to tackle fraudulent medical practices, which remain a significant issue, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas.

The MMC letter, issued by administrator Dr V Rughwani, highlighted that "the healthcare system in Maharashtra continues to face a significant challenge with unlicensed and fraudulent medical practices, which pose a serious threat, particularly in vulnerable and rural areas. "

The council has the authority to revoke or suspend medical licenses in cases of malpractice or patient grievances.

With the introduction of the QR system, MMC aims to enhance transparency and ensure patients can verify the legitimacy of medical practitioners before seeking treatment.