A neighbourhood clinic, hundreds of patients and a 15-year-old medical mystery
Vadodara: A shocking medical fraud case has emerged from Gujarat town, where police have arrested a man accused of practising as a doctor for nearly 15 years despite allegedly having no recognised medical degree or registration. Authorities claim the accused operated a clinic, prescribed medicines, administered injections and performed medical procedures while patients believed they were consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
The case has sparked concerns over patient safety and the monitoring of unqualified medical practitioners after investigators alleged that the man, who had studied only up to Class 10, managed to run a functioning clinic in the city’s Akota area for years without his credentials being verified.
According to Vadodara City Police, 45-year-old Biswajit Prafulla Haldar was running Promila Clinic in Akota, one of the city’s established residential areas.
For almost 15 years, local residents reportedly visited the clinic for treatment, believing Haldar was a trained medical professional. Police said the investigation began after some patients raised concerns over the effectiveness of the medicines prescribed by him and questions emerged regarding his qualifications.
Acting on the information, the Local Crime Branch of Vadodara Police Zone-2 conducted a raid at the clinic in the presence of a medical officer. During the operation, officials allegedly found medicines, medical equipment and documents linked to his practice.
Police have alleged that Haldar did not possess a recognised medical degree or mandatory registration required to practise medicine. Investigators claim he used a BIAMS (Bachelor of Indian Alternative Medicine and Surgery) certificate to present himself as a qualified doctor.
Authorities are now verifying the authenticity of the documents and examining whether any other individuals were connected to the alleged medical fraud. The police investigation suggests that Haldar was allegedly prescribing allopathic medicines, providing injections and conducting procedures that require professional medical expertise.
Among the allegations being investigated are claims that Haldar performed procedures related to piles and haemorrhoids using unsafe methods. Police have alleged that he used heated instruments, including tongs, for such procedures without proper surgical facilities or anaesthesia.
Investigators are also examining claims that patients were charged up to Rs 25,000 for certain treatments. The allegations have intensified concerns over the risks faced by patients who may unknowingly seek treatment from individuals without proper medical training.
During the police action, a large quantity of medicines and medical materials was reportedly recovered from the clinic. The seized items allegedly included 38 bottles of cough syrup valued at approximately Rs 41,000, 162 injections, 281 medicine strips, 84 tubes, 30 powdered medicines, 32 capsules, nine IV fluid bottles and 19 infusion sets. Officials are examining whether these medicines were being used as part of regular medical treatment provided at the clinic.
The investigation has revealed that Haldar previously worked as a helper at a doctor’s clinic in West Bengal. Police suspect that while working there, he may have acquired basic knowledge about medicines and common treatments, which he allegedly used later to establish his own medical practice.
Around 15 years ago, Haldar reportedly moved to Vadodara and started operating the clinic in Akota. Over time, he allegedly built a reputation among local residents and attracted a steady flow of patients. Investigators believe his long presence in the area and the appearance of a conventional clinic helped him gain public confidence.
The case has raised questions about the verification of medical qualifications and the challenges faced by authorities in identifying illegal healthcare providers. In many parts of India, patients often depend on neighbourhood clinics due to affordability and accessibility. However, cases involving unqualified practitioners highlight the importance of checking medical registration and professional credentials before seeking treatment.
Healthcare experts have repeatedly warned that treatment by untrained individuals can lead to serious health complications, especially when injections, prescription medicines or surgical procedures are involved.
Vadodara Police are now investigating the complete extent of Haldar’s alleged medical activities. Authorities are trying to determine how many patients were treated at the clinic over 15 years, what medicines and injections were administered, whether any patients suffered health complications and how much revenue was generated through the alleged practice.
The police are also examining the documents recovered from the clinic, financial transactions linked to the medical establishment and possible violations under laws related to illegal medical practice. The investigation will also focus on whether any other people were involved in helping the accused operate the clinic or obtain documents used to establish his alleged medical identity.
Haldar has been arrested, and further legal proceedings are underway. The case continues to highlight the importance of strict monitoring of healthcare services and verification of medical credentials to protect patients from unsafe treatment practices.
