عطائی ڈاکٹروں کا خلاف لاہور ہائیکورٹ کا تاریخی فیصلہ

 The terms “quackery” is entirely different from “malpractice” with regards to its definition, implications and legal consequences. Quackery is defined as, “the promotion of fraudulent or ignorant medical practices”. A “quack” is an individual who practices quackery. In other words, a quack is someone who is involved in medical malpractice without possessing required qualifications, professional authority and legal right to undertake such activities in first place.

Quackery is not only leading to avoidable deaths, it is also one of the leading causes of increasing morbidities in Pakistan. Be it delayed patient presentation to a professionally trained doctors, progression of existing disease or complications of the treatment provided by quack, the final outcome is that it is the patients and their families who bear the brunt of someone else’s mistakes.

Every year thousands of people either lose their lives or suffer significant harm at the hands of quacks in Pakistan. Unfortunately, there are no reliable data sources and official figures on the number of people affected annually. However, the national newspapers and other media channels are full of such reports on almost daily basis. In spite of growing reports, the fact of the matter is that it is only a tip of the iceberg and the reality is much more painful than what is highlighted.

It is morally and ethically incorrect and socially unacceptable to perform an action which is beyond ones professional capabilities. By losing this insight and the sense of “patient care by a trained professional”, the quacks have also deprived themselves of a sense of empathy and honesty. A lack of understanding of differences between a “qualified doctor” and a “quack” has also contributed in spreading of this problem. Often, patients and their cares do not question the treating person’s qualification and competencies. This attitude of general public encourages malpractice and quackery.

Bail refused.

Crl.Misc.No.64960-B of 2021 Zahid Mehmood Versus The State, etc