Quack arrested near Arani who offered medical treatment for nearly a decade

A 40-year-old quack was arrested on Thursday for giving prescriptions and treatment to patients in his clinic cum pharmacy at Devikapuram village near Arani town in Tiruvannamalai.

Health officials said the arrested quack was identified as S. Venkatesan, a native of Arani town. He has completed a diploma course in homeopathy.

He was offering medical treatment to patients in the village for nearly a decade without professional qualification. He converted his rented house into a clinic and pharmacy for patients in the remote hamlet. Every day, on average, 40-60 patients wait before his pharmacy for treatment. 

Health officials suspected his activities. A special medical team conducted a surprise check in the house after health officials got complaints from residents. The medical team also included a doctor, a pharmacist and a drug inspector. 

During the searches, health officials found many used medical equipment, prescriptions and letterheads in the clinic. They also found used syringes, capsules and other medical equipment inside the clinic. 

The clinic and pharmacy were sealed. The team also seized the medical equipments, including blood pressure apparatus, stethoscope, and syringes. A case was registered by Chetpet police. Later, he was lodged at sub-jail in the town. A probe is underway.