India, July 10 -- In response to the alarmingly low conviction rate in cases involving bogus doctors, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) last week revised its standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure more strict and efficient action. The move comes in the wake of only one out of at least 55 cases filed against unregistered medical practitioners since 2012 leading to a conviction; officials said on Wednesday.

According to the officials, PMC officials till date would first verify the documents at the location of the suspected bogus doctor and then consult the legal department before filing a first information report (FIR). However, this lengthy process often gave enough time to the accused to abscond or tamper with evidence, they s...