Karnataka HC orders crackdown on clinics run by unqualified 'doctors'
Bengaluru, Apr 16 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court has issued a strong directive to the state government, calling for immediate action against clinics operated by "unqualified individuals" posing as doctors.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over the case, criticised the "unchecked proliferation" of such clinics, particularly in rural areas, stating that they pose a serious threat to public health.
"These quacks, masquerading as doctors, are putting innocent rural lives at risk by running clinics in remote regions and deceiving patients," the court observed.
Justice Nagaprasanna also expressed disbelief at the state’s apparent inaction in curbing the rise of such illegal practices, describing it as "blissful ignorance".
The court directed the Registry to forward its order to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, instructing the department to identify and shut down clinics managed by "unqualified individuals".
It also mandated the submission of an action-taken report to the court.
The directive came in response to a petition filed by A A Muralidharswamy, who had sought the registration of his clinic under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007. However, Muralidharswamy holds only an SSLC (Class 10) qualification and failed to present any legitimate medical credentials during the hearing.
Although he claimed to be "qualified to practice alternative medicine" and submitted a certificate from the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine, the court found the certificate unconvincing and lacking proof of medical expertise.
He also held a Diploma in Community Medical Services with Essential Drugs, based on which he had been running ‘Sri Lakshmi Clinic’ in Mandya district for several years.
Upon reviewing the details, the bench noted that Muralidharswamy was the sole operator, administrator, and staff member of the clinic. When questioned, his counsel admitted that he had no formal education in any recognised system of medicine—be it Allopathy, Ayurveda, or Unani.
Calling the petitioner’s claim of being a doctor "plain and simple misrepresentation", the court concluded that his educational background did not entitle him to register under the state’s medical regulations. As such, the petition was dismissed.
The court emphasised that any clinic run by individuals without recognised medical qualifications must be shut down in accordance with the law.
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Israel's military says it has fully disabled Yemen's main airport with airstrikes
Jerusalem, May 6 (AP): Israel's military said Tuesday it launched airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, fully disabling the country's international airport in the capital, Sanaa, and striking several power plants.
The strikes, the second in two days, came after Israel launched airstrikes in retaliation for a Houthi missile strike the previous day on Israel's international airport.
The Houthis' satellite news channel al-Masirah reported the strikes, confirming the airport had been hit.
Footage aired on Israeli television showed thick black plumes of smoke rising above the skyline of Sanaa. Social media video purported to show multiple strikes around Sanaa, with black smoke rising as the thumps of the blast echoed against the surrounding mountains.
There was no immediate information on any casualties.
Tuesday's strike came shortly after the military issued a warning on social media for people to evacuate the area of Yemen's international airport.
“We urge you to immediately evacuate the area of the airport and to warn anyone nearby to distance themselves immediately,” spokesperson Avichay Adraee wrote on social media, attaching a map of Sanaa International Airport. “Failure to evacuate the area endangers your lives.”
On Monday night, Israel targeted the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen's Red Sea province of Hodeida, killing at least one person and wounding 35.
The rebels' media office said at least six strikes hit the crucial Hodeida port. Others hit a cement factory in the district of Bajil, 55 kilometres northeast of Hodeida, the rebels said. The Houthi-run Health Ministry said the strikes killed at least four people and wounded 39 others.
The Houthis on Sunday launched a missile that struck an access road near Israel's main airport near Tel Aviv, briefly halting flights and commuter traffic. Four people were lightly injured.
It was the first time a missile struck the grounds of Israel's main airport, Ben Gurion, since the October 2023 start of the war in Gaza. It prompted a flurry of flight cancellations. While most missiles launched by the Houthis have been intercepted, some have penetrated Israel's missile defence systems, causing damage.
The Houthis have targeted Israel throughout the war in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, raising their profile as the last member of Iran's self-described “Axis of Resistance” capable of launching regular attacks on Israel.
The US military under President Donald Trump has launched an intensified campaign of airstrikes targeting the Houthis since March 15.
Israel has repeatedly struck against the rebels in Yemen. It struck Hodeida and its oil infrastructure in July after a Houthi drone attack killed one person and wounded 10 in Tel Aviv.
In September, Israel struck Hodeida again, killing at least four people after a missile targeted Ben Gurion airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was returning to the country. In December, Israeli strikes killed at least nine people in Hodeida.
