BMC notice to doc for prescribing test to asymptomatic Covid-19 patient

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a show-cause notice to a general physician from Ghatkopar for violating the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guideline by allegedly prescribing a coronavirus swab test to an asymptomatic patient. BMC has also threatened to cancel the doctor’s registration if he fails to respond to the notice within 24 hours. The development has garnered criticism from the medical fraternity.

As per the show-cause issued by the assistant commissioner of N ward, Ajit Ambi, the physician, who owns a clinic at Ghatkopar, has been found in violation of the Epidemic Disease Act 1897; the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as well as the guidelines issued by BMC on Covid-19 testing.

The doctor has been directed to explain why his licence should not be cancelled.

Despite repeated attempts, Ambi did not respond to HT’S calls till the time of going to press.

One of the Ghatkopar doctor’s colleagues, on condition of anonymity, said, “These are the ways the corporation is trying to scare us so that we don’t run tests and they can show lesser number of Covid cases. If based on our expertise we feel the need to run a test then BMC has no right to stop us, even if a patient doesn’t show symptoms.”

As per rules, Indian Medical Council (IMC) holds the power to cancel the licence of a doctor. Dr Shivkumar Utture, president, Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), has said, “BMC can’t cancel doctor’s registration. We are the only authorised body.”