The Assam government’s Anti-Quackery and Vigilance Cell has arrested at least 22 fake doctors since its formation in January 2025, with several more arrests expected as the crackdown intensifies.

According to Dr. Abhijit Neog, Anti-Quackery and Vigilance Officer, these unqualified practitioners are often found in rural and semi-urban areas, as well as tea garden regions, where access to proper healthcare is limited. The cell has identified over 61 fake doctors across the state, with 11.01% of deaths in Assam involving patients who received medical attention from quacks prior to their death, compared to the all-India average of 19.8%.

Recent arrests include four individuals posing as doctors in Jorhat and Nagaon districts, with charges of criminal breach of trust, endangering public safety, and cheating. The fake doctors used forged degrees and stole identities of legitimate doctors to gain trust.

The Assam government urges the public to verify credentials of medical professionals through the Indian Medical Register and report suspicious practices immediately.