WEDNESDAY, MAY 07, 2025
Fake Doctor Scandal: A Wake-Up Call for Medical Accountability in Nagaland
Published on May 3, 2025
By EMN
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- The recent revelation by the Commissioner of Police regarding a fake doctor, Albert Lotha, operating from the heart of Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub, has left me—and many others—deeply disturbed. For over a decade, Mr. Lotha practiced as a qualified physician, writing prescriptions, examining patients, and profiting from public trust, all without even completing his first year of MBBS.
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- As someone who once walked the path of medical education, I understand the rigor and responsibility that comes with becoming a doctor. Unfortunately, I could not complete my MBBS degree, and though that was a personal disappointment, I chose to pursue other careers without ever considering impersonation or deceit.
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- What makes this case even more personal is that I once took my sister to Mr. Lotha, unaware of the truth behind his credentials. I recall how he casually made a comment about her youthful appearance. At the time, nothing seemed amiss. I’ve also seen many patients, prescriptions in hand, queueing outside the adjoining MEDICAL HALL. Looking back, I shudder to think how many people, like us, placed their trust—and lives—in his hands.
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- The implications of such a case are grave. We may never know how many lives were lost or health conditions worsened due to his ignorance and false authority. But we do know that this is a betrayal of the highest order—endangering lives under the guise of care.
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- One must ask: how did he go undetected for so long? What gaps in our medical regulatory system allowed this to continue unchecked for over a decade? While the Medical Council of Nagaland must be held accountable for its oversight, we must also see this moment as a critical turning point.
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- There must be legal consequences. Mr. Lotha’s actions were not merely unethical—they were criminal. He should be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law, not only to serve justice but also to send a clear message that such exploitation of public trust will never be tolerated again.
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- More importantly, this should compel us to re-examine the vetting and monitoring systems of medical professionals in our state. Public health and safety must never be compromised.
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- This incident is a stark reminder that while trust in doctors is essential, so is verification. The people of Nagaland deserve licensed, competent, and ethical healthcare—not charlatans in white coats.
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- A. Anato Swu
Nagaland Districts
