Illegal Eye Clinics Exposed in Telangana
Private facilities operate without qualified doctors
Telangana State Medical Council (TGMC) inspections in Miryalaguda have uncovered private eye clinics functioning without qualified ophthalmologists. FIRs have been registered against eight facilities, and five ophthalmic technicians have been arrested in connection with the violations.
Clinics Under Scrutiny
Eight facilities identified
The eight private eye care facilities under investigation include Sri Venkateswara (SV) Eye Hospital, Sri Mahalakshmi Eye Hospital, Annapurna Netralayam, Yashasvi Eye Hospital, Shalini Eye Clinic, Rapha Vision Care Center, and Shiva Sai Eye Hospital. None of these had qualified ophthalmologists on-site.
Doctors Practising Elsewhere
Registered doctors absent
Inspections revealed that the registered doctors associated with these clinics were practising elsewhere, mainly in Hyderabad. The clinics were being managed by unqualified personnel in violation of medical regulations.
Unqualified Personnel Performing Medical Duties
Illegal practices reported
TGMC stated that the technicians were prescribing medications beyond their scope, conducting advanced diagnostic tests, and in some cases performing surgical procedures. Many claimed to hold a Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant (DOA) but were practising independently as eye specialists, which is illegal.
FIRs and Arrests
Legal action initiated
Following the discoveries, TGMC registered FIRs against the eight facilities. Police have arrested five ophthalmic technicians and one fake practitioner for violating medical regulations.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
Doctors called to explain
Dr. V. Naresh Kumar, Chairman of the TGMC Public Relations Committee, said show-cause notices are being issued to the involved doctors. They are required to appear before the Medical Ethics and Malpractices Committee, and unsatisfactory explanations may lead to licence suspension.
Administrative Action Pending
Council to urge further measures
If the explanations by the doctors are found unsatisfactory, TGMC intends to recommend suspension of medical licences and will request the District Collector to take further administrative action against the errant hospitals.
Inspection Team
Officials involved
The inspections were conducted by TGMC members Dr. V. Naresh Kumar, Dr. K. Ravi Kumar, Dr. J. Srikanth Varma, and Vigilance Officer M. Rakesh, under the guidance of TGMC Chairman Dr. K. Mahesh Kumar.
