BELAGAVI: June 26, 2024 – In two separate incidents, authorities in Belagavi have cracked down on unauthorized medical practitioners, arresting one fake doctor and sentencing another to jail.
Officials raided and sealed an unofficial clinic called ‘Shiva Clinic’ in Bhadkala Galli, arresting Umesh Acharya, who had been operating the facility for years without proper authorization. Dr. Mahesh Koni, the District Health and Family Welfare Officer, confirmed that the clinic lacked necessary permits, facilities, and qualified staff.
The raid, conducted by a team including Taluk Health Officer Dr. Sanjay Dummagola, District AYUSH Officer Dr. Srikanta Sundholi, and local police, found patients under treatment for various issues including hair fall and nervous weakness. Officials seized different types of medicines, pills, and powders from the premises.
In a separate case, District Collector Nitesh Patil, acting as Chairman of the District KPME Registration and Grievance Redressal Authority, sentenced Riaz Mulla, a fake doctor from Kerur in Chikkodi taluk, to one week in jail and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh. Mulla was found guilty of providing treatment without a medical degree and proper registration.
The actions were taken under the Karnataka Private Medical Institutions Registration Act 2007, with subsequent amendments in 2009 and 2018.
These incidents highlight the ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat unauthorized medical practices and ensure public safety in the healthcare sector.