Quacks fish in troubled waters as patients, families flock to them

For residents of Ramnagar village, located 10km from BRD Medical College, Kamlesh Kumar (40) is the saviour of the lives of their children. An intermediate in biology from a government college in Bhathat, he runs his “clinic” on the GorakhpurMaharajganj highway.

Kamlesh is not alone. As many as 200 unregistered medical practitioners, commonly known as quacks or ‘jhola chhap’ doctors, are running clinics in localities and villages near the BRD Medical College. HT found such clinics on the highways, by-lanes of villages and even in the fields.

The quacks claimed to have pursued BEMS, BHMS and BAMS courses from private medical colleges but refused to show their certificates. It was found they had stored medicines and also had makeshift operation theatres in their clinics.

“About 10-15 children daily visit my clinic for treatment. By seeing the symptoms, I can say if a child is infected with Japanese encephalitis, acute encephalitis syndrome (JE/AES) or common fever,” said Kamlesh. “Children infected with JE/AES are under shock and their body quivers at regular intervals. After diagnosis and check-up, I administer them medicine available in my clinic.”

Another quack Sonu Nishad, who runs a clinic in Gulriha village near the hospital, said the influx of patients increased during monsoon.

“Though the medical college is 2 km from my clinic but to avoid queues and harassment, patients prefer to come here. I give them medicine and charge minimum fee,” he said.

“People have no option but to visit our clinic for treatment. There is crisis of doctors in rural areas,” said Raja Ram, who runs a clinic in Jainpur village.

THE QUACKS CLAIMED TO HAVE PURSUED BEMS, BHMS AND BAMS COURSES FROM PRIVATE COLLEGES BUT REFUSED TO SHOW CERTIFICATES