New Circular Mandates Tough Penalties
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued a fresh circular directing district officials to launch a strict crackdown on fake doctors and medical establishments employing unqualified practitioners. The Health Department has instructed authorities to enforce provisions allowing prosecution of anyone practising medicine without valid registration.
Unqualified Practice Now a Punishable Offence
As per the circular issued on November 11, 2025, only individuals registered under recognised councils of allopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga, Naturopathy, or homoeopathy are permitted to practise medicine. Violators face heavy penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Stiff Penalties for Repeat Offenders
First-time offenders may be fined up to ₹50,000.
Second-time offenders face fines of up to ₹2 lakh, with or without one year of imprisonment.
For subsequent violations, the punishment may extend to ₹5 lakh in fines and imprisonment of up to three years, the circular states.
Special Task Force Formed for Enforcement
A dedicated task force has been constituted under Section 40(2) to identify and act against fake doctors. The team includes officials from the district administration, police, AYUSH department, legal experts and social workers. It will also submit monthly reports to the state government.
Action Against Clinics Employing Fake Doctors
Medical establishments hiring unqualified practitioners will also face punishment. Since such centres cannot be registered under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, they can be prosecuted under Section 19(1), which allows imprisonment of up to three years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. Continued violations may attract an additional ₹1 lakh per month.
Penalties for Unregistered Medical Centres
Unregistered private medical establishments may face fines of up to ₹50,000 under Section 15(1) and may be shut down immediately. Facilities violating rules or registration conditions may also face suspension or cancellation of their licence under Section 15(5), along with fines up to ₹1 lakh.
State Pushes for Clean, Regulated Healthcare System
With this circular, the state government aims to eliminate quackery and ensure that only qualified and registered professionals provide healthcare services across Karnataka.
