Intro: Authorities crack down on unqualified medical practitioners, imposing heavy fines and ordering strict enforcement measures across district

Kalaburagi

The district administration has imposed a total fine of ₹45.80 lakh on 136 individuals for violating the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007. These individuals were found providing medical services without proper qualifications.

The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Taranum at the DC office auditorium. The meeting focused on complaints under the KPME Act and also included an audit of maternal and infant deaths in the district.

During the meeting, officials reviewed cases filed by the Health Department against hospitals, clinics, owners, and managers who violated the Act. Based on these findings, the Deputy Commissioner ordered penalties to be imposed on the offenders.

She also directed officials, including Assistant Commissioners, Tahsildars, Taluk Panchayat Executive Officers, Health Department programme officers, Taluk Health Officers, District AYUSH officers, and police inspectors, to carry out regular raids on fake doctors and illegal medical establishments.

Strict action was also ordered against those who have not paid previously imposed fines. Tahsildars have been instructed to begin property seizure under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act and file court cases against defaulters, including unqualified practitioners.

Officials informed that raids were conducted on 182 hospitals and clinics across the district. Out of these, only 46 have paid the fines so far, while 136 violators are yet to comply with the orders.

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Sharanabasappa Kyatanal, RCHO Dr. Sidram Patil, and District Microbiologist of JIMS Hospital Dr. Asna Rukiya Rab, along with other health officials and staff, were present at the meeting.