Can A Doctor Be Jailed For Unlicensed Medical Practice?

Practicing medicine without a valid or renewed license is not just an ethical breach but a criminal offense under Indian law. The National Medical Commission (NMC) and State Medical Councils have clear legal provisions to penalize such violations, including imprisonment in serious cases.

When Can a Doctor Be Jailed?

1. Violation of the NMC Act, 2019 (Section 34):

Any person (including a qualified doctor) practicing modern medicine without registration under a State Medical Council or the NMC can face criminal prosecution.

Punishment: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine up to ₹5 lakh, or both.

2. Continued Practice After Expired Registration:

If a doctor knowingly continues to practice after their registration has lapsed and they haven’t renewed it, they can be charged under unauthorized practice and face jail time.

3. Forgery or Misrepresentation:

If a person uses fake degrees, forged registration certificates, or impersonates a licensed doctor, they can be jailed under IPC Sections related to fraud, cheating, and impersonation (e.g., Sections 417, 419, 468 of the Indian Penal Code).

4. Practicing Without License Despite Warning:

If a doctor is warned or penalized by a medical council and continues to practice without a license, it may escalate to criminal contempt, leading to arrest and jail.

5. Harm to Patients While Unlicensed:

If a patient suffers harm or death due to treatment by an unlicensed doctor, the practitioner can be charged with medical negligence and criminal intent, resulting in imprisonment and additional legal action under consumer and criminal law.

Example:

Dr. Y, whose license expired two years ago, continued practicing in Mumbai without renewing his registration. After a patient developed complications and complained, the Maharashtra Medical Council launched an inquiry. Upon confirmation of unauthorized practice, a case was filed under the NMC Act. Dr. Y was fined ₹3 lakh and sentenced to 6 months of imprisonment, with the possibility of further action if he resumed practice without valid registration.