Crackdown on Quacks: Karnataka warns of legal action
Fake Doctor
Bengaluru: In a move to curb illegal medical practices, the Karnataka government has issued a firm directive targeting quacks and unauthorized clinics across the state.
A circular issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, along with the Department of Ayush, outlines stringent legal measures to curb unlicensed medical practices and protect citizens from the risks associated with quackery.
According to the circular, only those registered with recognised medical councils — including allopathic, ayurvedic, and homeopathic systems — are legally permitted to practice medicine in Karnataka. The circular explicitly states that anyone found impersonating a doctor without valid registration will face a fine of up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment of up to three years for repeated offences.
To ensure effective enforcement, the government has formed district-level special task forces comprising deputy commissioners, senior police officials, district health officers, Ayush officials, social workers, and legal experts. These teams are required to submit monthly reports to the state government.
Also Read: Telangana Medical Council acts against Quacks, shuts down 12 Illegal Clinics
The circular also reinforces the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, making it mandatory for all clinics and health centres to be officially registered. Non-compliant establishments may face immediate closure and a penalty of up to Rs 50,000.
The circular says under the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, clinics and health facilities operated by fake doctors without required registration will face action from district-level monitoring committees that include officials from the health department, State Pollution Control Board, local bodies, and the Indian Medical Association, reports Deccan Herald.
To streamline enforcement, District Family Welfare Officers and Hospital Quality Managers have been designated as nodal officers responsible for ensuring strict adherence to bio-medical waste management guidelines across all districts.
This move comes amid growing reports of unqualified individuals offering medical treatment across Karnataka.
Also Read: Crackdown on 12 fake clinics, Quacks over illegal medical practice
