Telangana grapples with surge in illegal piles treatment centres

Written By : Rumela De Sarkar Published On 2025-12-01T16:34:03+05:30 | Updated On 1 Dec 2025 4:34 PM IST

Unregistered Piles Clinics Put Telangana Patients at Risk

Hyderabad: Unregistered clinics offering low-cost piles treatment are emerging as a serious public health threat in Telangana, putting patients at risk of severe complications. Stigma surrounding piles, combined with the lure of cheap procedures, has pushed many patients toward unqualified practitioners.

In November alone, two serious cases highlighted the dangers. On 22 November, a 17-year-old student from Mallapur, Medchal, died following a procedure at a private clinic in Hayathnagar. Earlier in the month, a 29-year-old man from Narsampet, Warangal, was left in critical condition after surgery at another unregistered facility.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in an alleged case of medical negligence, a 16-year-old boy died after undergoing a purportedly botched piles treatment performed by a quack at his clinic, police said. The boy's mother, in her complaint, alleged that there was negligence in the treatment given to her son, a second-year intermediate student.

Also Read:16-year-old boy dies after botched piles treatment by Quack

Health experts, medical council members, and public health advocates warn that the rise of unauthorised clinics offering “quick fixes” is deeply concerning. These centres often operate without licences, sterile facilities, or trained surgical staff. According to estimates, Telangana has around 850–900 such clinics, including 150–200 in Hyderabad and roughly 30 in Warangal.

Speaking to TOI, a senior general surgeon, Dr Naresh Kumar V, said the belief that piles treatment is a small, simple procedure is a ‘misconception costing lives'. "Proper piles surgery requires clinical evaluation, safe anaesthesia, infection control, and post-operative care. When untrained hands attempt it, the risks of severe bleeding, sepsis, fistula formation, and even death rise sharply."

TGMC members added that many clinics operate from small rented rooms or makeshift spaces. Dr. G. Srinivas, TGMC vice chairman, said that some burn piles use crude instruments or perform procedures without anaesthesia or sterilisation, which is extremely dangerous. He also mentioned that only qualified general surgeons with proper theatre facilities should perform such surgeries.

Experts claim the issue reflects both medical negligence and deep gaps in regulation and awareness. IMA Gajwel president and general surgeon Dr A. Lingam points out that many patients are lured by low fees and hesitate to visit registered hospitals out of shame. He adds that most victims come from less-educated backgrounds and are reluctant to discuss anorectal diseases, which makes them easy targets.

Quacks in rural areas reportedly charge Rs 6,000–7,000 for procedures, while in Hyderabad, the cost ranges from Rs 20,000–25,000. In contrast, proper surgical treatment by qualified specialists can cost Rs 70,000 or more.

Enforcement hasn't kept pace with the rapid rise of illegal units, admit officials. "It is far too easy for anyone to rent a room, put up a board, and claim to be a piles specialist. We are planning more stringent inspections, tougher penalties, and easy reporting mechanisms to prevent more tragedies," said a health dept senior official, reports TOI.

Also Read:5 Quacks busted for practising allopathy illegally in Telangana

Experts recommend stronger regulatory checks, mandatory verification of medical qualifications, public awareness campaigns, and more accessible and affordable surgical services in government hospitals. Dr Naresh Kumar urged patients to prioritise safety: “People must always check a doctor’s credentials and seek treatment only from qualified surgeons. No embarrassment is worth risking your life.”

Piles treatmentillegal clinicsmedical negligencequacks

Rumela De Sarkar

With a keen interest in storytelling and a dedication to uncovering facts, Rumela De Sarkar joined Medical Dialogues as a Correspondent in 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of North Bengal. Rumela covers a wide range of healthcare topics, including medical news, policy updates, and developments related to doctors, hospitals, and medical education