Over 965 fake doctors traced in K'taka in 1.5 years, with highest numbers in Bidar, Kolar, Tumakuru
Bengaluru: In the past one and half years, Karnataka’s health department has traced and taken action against 967 individuals posing as doctors.
According to state health department data, as cited by Deccan Herald on Monday, at least 967 quacks or fake doctors have been found operating throughout the state between September 2023 and January 2025.
The district health and family welfare officers have served notices to 449 fake doctors, closed 228 fake clinics, seized 167 more clinics, and imposed penalties on 96 people as of February 2025. Additionally, more than 70 cases have been filed in various district courts.
Among the districts with the highest number of fake doctors are Bidar (213), Kolar (115), and Tumakuru (112). Dr Vivek Dorai, the deputy director of the state health department, noted that these districts, being border areas, make it easier for individuals from neighbouring states to set up temporary practices. These regions also lack the concentration of health facilities seen in Bengaluru, which contributes to the higher numbers.
“Health officers are also overburdened; they cannot check every establishment in Bengaluru but in other districts, where the total number of establishments is lesser, it's easier to conduct inspections," Dr Dorai was quoted as saying by DH.
Fake doctors include those who are unqualified, those who might be qualified but not registered and recognised under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, added the report. This category also includes individuals practicing medicine outside their trained field, such as cross practice, and those who do not comply with KPME regulations.
Dr Dorai, who oversees Medical Acts in Karnataka, mentioned that the health department also classifies practitioners who follow familial traditions without formal degrees or training, as well as those practicing acupuncture and other forms of traditional medicine that are not regulated by a board or council as fake under the Act.
He further explained that some individuals who work as support staff, such as D-group employees, may later set up their own practices after forging documents or obtaining a general degree from a small institution.
Severe violations, such as unqualified quack performing procedures that result in complications or death, can result in fines of up to Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment for up to three years.
For unregistered practitioners, penalties usually involve fines rather than jail time. Dr Dorai noted that while the Act provides guidelines for action, decisions are often made on a case-by-case basis, and accused can appeal the decision in the high court.
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Nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring for ministerial position: K'taka HM Parameshwara
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Bengaluru (PTI): Amid a group of ruling Congress MLAs camping in Delhi with a cabinet rejig demand for their inclusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing wrong in legislators aspiring for ministerial positions.
He asserted that experienced MLAs were capable of handling such responsibilities.
His remarks came a day after senior and first-time MLAs stepped up lobbying efforts in the national capital with the party high command, seeking a cabinet reshuffle and greater representation.
"There is nothing wrong in them asking for it (ministerial position)," Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader, said
He added that the MLAs, some of who have been elected thrice, are capable to take up the ministerial positions.
He maintained that the final call on any cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command.
"Our Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah), the high command, and our party (state) president (DK Shivakumar) decide about reshuffle. These three sit together and take a decision," he said.
The minister also indicated that the established procedure for cabinet formation was likely being followed.
"Earlier too, when I was the (state Congress) president, during cabinet formation, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and our in-charge general secretaries would take decisions that would then be presented before our AICC president, approval would be obtained, and then it would be announced," he said.
He added that even today the same procedure is followed.
Responding to questions on whether senior ministers would make way for newcomers, Parameshwara said they would abide by the party's decision.
"If the high command decides then we have to accept it. There is no question of not accepting it," he said.
Stressing on party discipline, he added, "Whether it is me, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, or Energy Minister K J George, we all are seniors. If they (high command) decide that we should be replaced and make changes, then there is no question of us opposing it."
Clarifying that discussions were limited to a possible cabinet reshuffle, he said decisions on leadership matters were entirely in the hands of the high command.
He said the discussions were limited only to the Cabinet rejig and not changing the party state president, a post being held by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for the past six years.
"Right now we are discussing cabinet reshuffle, not about the party president. All such matters are left to the high command," he said.
Recalling his own appointment as state Congress president in the past, Parameshwara said he had not lobbied for the post. "When I was made president, I did not lobby for it. Our leader Sonia Gandhi took the decision. It came as a surprise to me. I had not asked for it," he said.
On Sunday, several senior MLAs travelled to Delhi to press for a cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators renewed their demand for representation, seeking at least five berths in the Siddaramaiah-led ministry.
The push for a rejig comes amid internal rumblings within the ruling party and speculation over leadership issues, even as the high command is yet to take a final call.
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