Petition filed to enhance punishment for 'fake doctors'

A Supreme Court lawyer today filed a writ petition with the High Court, seeking its directive on the government to amend the relevant law, enhancing punishment to life imprisonment and death sentence, for "fake" doctors who deceive patients and put their health at risk.

Lawyer Md JR Khan Robin submitted the petition as a public interest litigation, also praying to the HC to ask the authorities concerned of the government to amend the law incorporating provision for adequate fine.

In the petition, he said that many patients are being cheated by fake doctors, who have no valid certificate and registration for practising.

Such fake doctors are causing serious threats to the health of patients, he said, adding that the punishment for such illegal act is only three years' imprisonment and fine of Tk one lakh which is very inadequate.

In the petition, JR Khan Robin requested the HC to ask the authorities to amend sections 28(3) and 29(2) of the Medical and Dental Council Act for enhancing the punishment.

JR Khan Robin told The Daily Star that the HC may hold hearing on the petition soon.