Vijayapura
The District Health and Family Welfare Department has constituted a special task force to take strict action against fake doctors and unregistered medical practitioners operating in violation of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act. According to District Health Officer Sampath Gunare, the decision to form the task force was taken following a meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, in line with government circulars. The task force comprises the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Superintendents of Police from Vijayapura City and Rural, Indi and Basavan Bagewadi subdivisions, respective Tehsildar, District AYUSH officers and Taluk Health Officers. Additionally, Mahammadgous R. Havaldar and Peter Alexander have been nominated as district-level members. The Deputy Commissioner has also directed that a fine of ₹25,000 be imposed on each of the 24 identified fake doctors in the district, with instructions to deposit the penalty amount into the District KPME Committee bank account.
Impact of ‘City Hilights’ Report.
Officials stated that the action gained momentum following a report published by City Hilights on March 28, which exposed the presence of fake doctors in the district. Taking serious note of the report, DHO Sampath Gunare ordered immediate action, leading to the formation of the special task force. The district administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring strict enforcement of medical regulations and safeguarding public health.
