Karnataka to crack down on unlicensed medical practitioners

Karnataka's Health Minister U.T. Khader has vowed to take stringent measures against unqualified individuals practicing medicine without proper credentials. The announcement reflects growing concerns over the proliferation of fake doctors in the state, who pose significant risks to public health and safety.

Khader emphasised that the government would intensify surveillance and regulatory enforcement to identify and prosecute unlicensed practitioners. The action will involve coordination between health department officials and law enforcement agencies to conduct raids and investigations across medical establishments.

The move comes amid reports of numerous cases where unqualified individuals have been operating as doctors, administering treatments without proper medical qualifications or government recognition. Such practitioners often charge lower fees, attracting patients who cannot afford qualified medical care, thereby creating a shadow healthcare system.

The Health Minister stressed that protecting citizens from substandard medical practices is a priority for the state government. Registered medical professionals are urged to report suspected cases of quackery, with provisions for both penalties and imprisonment for those found guilty of practicing medicine without valid licenses.