This Psychic Healer Who Communicates With The Dead Will Continue To Serve Bombay Hospital Despite Order To Remove Him

The Maharashtra Medical Council has directed Bombay Hospital to shut down a clinic within its premises that offers parapsychological cures, which runs contrary to accepted medical practice.

Mumbai Mirror

The director of the Bombay Hospital, Dr Rajkumar Patil confirmed that he has received the council's order and that the clinic, run by Ramakant Keni, a man who claims his curative powers are derived from his ability to commune with the dead, will continue to function.

Keni has offered his services as a parapsychologist at Bombay Hospital for close to 50 years. Following media reports, MMC began an investigation into his practice and sought to review his educational qualification. The council then issued a notice to the hospital on October 31 seeking documents that attested to Keni's eligibility to offer therapeutic assistance. The office of Bombay Hospital's director failed to respond to the notice, an official at the medical council said.

"As we have not received a response from you or from Ramakant Keni, the MMC directs you to close down the parapsychology clinic till further orders. This action is being undertaken as per provisions of clause 8.5 of chapter 8 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, which states that 'during the pendency of the complaint the appropriate council may restrain the physician from performing the procedure of practice which is under scrutiny'," the order states.

Abinet

A copy each of the document was addressed to the BMC's public health department, the additional chief secretary, medical education and drugs department and Rajendra Gole, officer on special duty to the medical education minister.

Dr Kishor Taori, president, MMC, said the import of the order was unambiguous and that Bombay Hospital's response to it wouldn't hold water. "The hospital has said it isn't obliged to shut down the clinic as the institution doesn't come under the purview of the council," he said. "But that is not true. It does come under our purview and given the stance the hospital has taken, we have decided to refer the matter to the Medical Council of India in Delhi."

The hospital's director, Dr Patil said his office had supplied MMC the information it sought. "We have sent them a detailed explanation," he said, adding, "Dr Ramakant Keni's clinic is legally run. We will not close it."

He claimed to have the necessary qualifications to treat the ill. "I did a three-year diploma course from Goa Medical College in 1944. I renew my registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council every five years," he said. However, he markets his abilities as a parapsychologist to gain patients, and does not advertise the services of a medical doctor.