Bengaluru Government Targets Fake Doctors and Unqualified Medical Establishments
Karnataka’s Directive on Medical Practice
The Karnataka government has announced a new circular aimed at taking stringent action against fake doctors and medical facilities employing unqualified practitioners. The Health Department has urged district-level officers to rigorously enforce legal measures that enable the state to prosecute these offenders.
Details of the Circular
Issued on November 11, 2025, the circular states that individuals not registered with recognized medical councils—covering allopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga, Naturopathy, or homeopathy—are prohibited from practicing medicine or presenting themselves as doctors. Violators may face substantial fines and potential imprisonment.
Penalties for Violations
First-time offenders could incur fines reaching Rs 50,000. In contrast, repeat offenders may face fines up to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment for a duration of up to three years. The circular specifies that under Section 36 of the Act, individuals violating Sections 34 and 35 may be punished as follows:
– First offence: Fine of up to ₹50,000
– Second offence: Fine up to ₹2 lakh, with or without one year of imprisonment
– Subsequent offences: Fine of ₹5 lakh and imprisonment of up to three years following conviction.
Establishment of a Special Task Force
To enhance enforcement, a special task force has been established under Section 40(2) of the Act. This team is tasked with inspecting unregistered or fraudulent doctors, prosecuting offenders, and providing monthly reports to the State Government. The task force comprises officials from the district administration, police, AYUSH department, legal experts, and social workers.
Consequences for Medical Establishments
Medical establishments that employ fake or unqualified doctors will also face legal repercussions. These establishments are ineligible for registration under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, and may be prosecuted under Section 19(1). This section stipulates that operating a private medical establishment without registration can lead to imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to Rs 1 lakh. If violations persist post-conviction, an additional monthly fine of Rs 1 lakh may be imposed.
Additional Penalties for Unregistered Establishments
Unregistered medical establishments can be fined up to Rs 50,000 by the Registration and Grievance Redressal Authority under Section 15(1) and may face immediate closure. Furthermore, any private medical establishment that contravenes the Act, its regulations, or registration conditions may encounter suspension or cancellation of registration under Section 15(5) of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, along with fines up to Rs 1 lakh under Section 19(5).