The Karnataka government has directed health officials to initiate strict action against fake doctors and private medical facilities employing unqualified practitioners under various provisions of the law.
In a circular dated November 11, 2025, the government highlighted sections of the Karnataka Ayurvedic, Naturopathy, Siddha, Unani and Yoga Practitioners’ Registration and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1962 (Karnataka Act 9 of 1962), Private Establishments, Karnataka Medical Actishments. 2007, among others.
Action against fake doctors
Under the 1962 Act, only persons registered under the Karnataka Medical Registration Act, 1961, the Karnataka Homeopathic Practitioners Act, 1961 or the Indian Medical Register maintained under the Medical Council of India Act, 1955 can practice medicine, surgery or midwifery.
Any unregistered person caught practicing in contravention of these provisions faces severe penalties – including a fine of up to ₹25,000 for the first offence, ₹2.5,000 and one year’s imprisonment for the second, and ₹5000 and up to three years’ imprisonment for subsequent offences.
A special task force established in May 2017 under the law was tasked with investigating and prosecuting unregistered practitioners.
Against medical facilities
Medical facilities employing unqualified or bogus doctors are also liable for prosecution under the Karnataka Private Medical Facilities Act, 2007. Running a facility without valid registration is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. Additionally, such establishments can be fined up to ₹50,000 by the Registration and Grievance Redressal Authority and are liable for immediate closure.
Further, employing unqualified doctors or paramedical staff can lead to imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to ₹ 1 lakh. Upon conviction, the establishment may be ordered to close immediately.
Violation of environmental laws
Unregistered facilities that do not comply with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016 are also liable to prosecution. They will be punished under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Such offenses are punishable with imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to ₹ 1 lakh, with additional daily fines for continued violations. In case of long-term non-compliance for more than one year, the prison sentence can be extended up to seven years.
Published – 13 Nov 2025 21:04 IST
