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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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
