A 55-year-old quack, V. Ramachandran, was arrested on Friday for providing unauthorized medical treatment and prescriptions to patients at his clinic-cum-pharmacy in Panchur village, near Jolarpet town in Tirupattur. The accused, a native of Jollagoundanur village near Natrampalli, had completed a diploma in pharmacy but lacked the necessary qualifications to offer medical treatment.
For the past few years, Ramachandran had been operating from his rented house, which he converted into a clinic and pharmacy, serving patients in the remote village on Tirupattur-Krishnagiri High Road. Health officials estimate that 35-50 patients visited his facility daily.
Health officials grew suspicious of his activities after receiving complaints from local residents. A special medical team, led by V. Gnana Meenakshi, Joint Director of Health Services, conducted a surprise inspection. The team, which included a doctor, pharmacist, and drug inspector, found a range of medical equipment, including used syringes, prescriptions, and letterheads inside the clinic. The team also discovered blood pressure apparatus, stethoscopes, and other medical tools.
The clinic and pharmacy were sealed, and the seized medical equipment was confiscated. Ramachandran, who was said to be a first-time offender, was arrested, and a case was registered by Natrampalli police. He was later lodged in sub-jail in Tirupattur, with an ongoing investigation into the matter.
