Mangaluru: The Karnataka Health Department has intensified its crackdown on unqualified medical practitioners, shutting down 582 illegal clinics across the state since 2024, including 20 clinics in Dakshina Kannada. The action targets individuals operating medical establishments without the required qualifications and registrations.

The statewide action against quackery gained momentum in 2025 following directions from the High Court. Authorities have since taken action against hundreds of unrecognised clinics, many of which were operating in rural areas where access to qualified medical professionals can be limited.

According to the latest figures, 87 offenders have been fined, while legal proceedings against 29 individuals are currently pending before the courts.

Dakshina Kannada records 20 cases

Dakshina Kannada is among the districts where the health department identified illegal medical practices. A total of 20 fake-doctor cases were reported in the district during the period covered by the crackdown.

The district’s figure is lower than that of several other parts of Karnataka, but the presence of unrecognised clinics has raised concerns over the safety of patients, particularly in rural areas.

Kalaburagi recorded the highest number of cases at 127, followed by Raichur with 124 and Dharwad with 75. Other districts that reported significant numbers included Kolar with 31, Vijayapura with 24, Ballari with 23, Chikkaballapur with 17, Bengaluru Urban with 16 and Koppal with 14.

The figures indicate that illegal medical establishments are not restricted to one particular region and have been detected across several districts.

Former hospital workers among those caught

Health department investigations have revealed that several individuals operating these clinics did not possess valid medical degrees.

According to the report, some of those involved had previously worked as nurses, ward boys or compounders in hospitals. They reportedly gained basic practical exposure by observing qualified doctors and later used that limited experience to establish their own clinics.

In several cases, these individuals allegedly began providing medical treatment independently despite not possessing the qualifications required to practise modern medicine.

The problem is particularly concerning in rural areas, where patients may sometimes approach local practitioners for treatment of common illnesses because they are easily accessible.

Allopathic treatment provided illegally

The health department found that some unqualified practitioners were administering allopathic medicines, injections and intravenous fluids despite lacking the necessary medical qualifications.

Officials also detected instances where practitioners holding qualifications in Ayurveda or Homeopathy were allegedly practising allopathy without the required authorisation.

Practising a system of medicine without the appropriate qualification can put patients at risk, particularly when treatment involves injections, IV fluids or prescription medicines.

The health authorities have therefore stressed the need for residents to verify the credentials of medical practitioners before seeking treatment.

Rural areas remain a major concern

A majority of the illegal clinics identified during the crackdown were located in rural areas.

The availability of healthcare services, affordability and proximity can influence where patients seek treatment. However, relying on unqualified practitioners can result in incorrect diagnosis, inappropriate medication or delayed treatment for serious illnesses.

The health department’s action is intended to prevent such practices and ensure that medical treatment is provided only by appropriately qualified and registered professionals.

The scale of the crackdown also highlights the importance of stronger monitoring of private clinics, particularly those operating in smaller towns and villages.

Patients urged to verify doctor’s registration

Following the discovery of hundreds of illegal clinics, the health department has urged people to exercise caution before consulting unknown practitioners.

Patients have been advised to verify whether the doctor treating them has a valid registration certificate issued by the appropriate Medical Council.

This is particularly important when visiting clinics that do not clearly display information about the doctor’s qualifications and registration.

Residents are also encouraged to be cautious about practitioners who offer medical treatment without proper documentation or who claim to provide multiple systems of medicine without the required qualifications.

Legal action continues against offenders

The closure of 582 illegal clinics is only one part of the enforcement action. Authorities have also imposed fines in several cases, while legal proceedings are continuing against 29 individuals.

The ongoing cases could result in further action against practitioners found to have violated medical practice regulations.

The health department’s continued monitoring will be important to ensure that clinics shut down during the crackdown do not resume operations under different names or at other locations.

Health authorities step up vigilance

The Karnataka government’s action against unqualified practitioners comes amid growing concern over the risks associated with unregulated medical treatment.

For patients, the issue is not simply whether a clinic is functioning legally but whether the person providing treatment has the education, training and registration required to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medicines safely.

The 20 cases detected in Dakshina Kannada form part of a much larger statewide crackdown. With 582 illegal clinics shut since 2024, authorities have signalled that action against unqualified medical practitioners will continue.

For residents, particularly those in rural areas, checking a doctor’s registration and qualifications before beginning treatment can help reduce the risks associated with unlicensed medical practice.