Only Registered Medical Practitioners Allowed To Operate In Primary Health Clinics Of Rural Areas - Madras HC

Recently, the Madras High Court made a decision that only registered medical practitioners who have received a recommendation from either the Medical Council of India or the Central government's AYUSH Department are allowed to operate primary health clinics or Community health centers in rural areas. This means that only a doctor who has been recognized by the MCI is authorized to provide medical care. The Court rejected a plea from K Ganesan, who was seeking permission to run his primary health care center in rural Tamil Nadu.

Ganesan stated that he and his colleague were operating a primary health center and community health clinic in the Pollachi district, but they never claimed to be registered, medical professionals or doctors. They only provide "community medical services" based on their diploma certificates. However, Ganesan claimed that he was constantly facing harassment from the State authorities. On the other hand, the State government argued that unless the MCI or the AYUSH Department has approved the qualifications of the petitioners, they cannot practice medicine or operate a clinic.

The Court concurred and clarified that a "registered medical practitioner" refers to an individual who has obtained a "government-recognized medical qualification." Consequently, without any recommendation from either the MCI or the AYUSH Department, the petitioners are not authorized to operate a clinic in any part of Tamil Nadu.