Will take strict action against quacks, warns Dr Sharanprakash Patil

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Minister of Medical Education, Skill Development and Livelihood Dr. Sharanprakash Patil announced that the government would implement stringent legal measures to combat the increasing issue of fake doctors in the state.

His remarks were made during the World Homeopathy Day celebration and seminar held by the Karnataka Private Homeopathic Medical Colleges Administration Association at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan on Wednesday.

In his address, Dr. Patil highlighted the “alarming” rise in the number of quacks. "Recently, the prevalence of fake doctors has become widespread. People without completing any medical course are opening clinics and providing treatments everywhere. The government has received numerous complaints about this," he stated.

Dr. Patil pointed out that these impostors exploit the innocence of rural populations by offering fraudulent treatments.

"Despite knowing it is illegal, some continue to offer treatment. A permanent halt to this is on the way," he assured. He emphasised the necessity of joint efforts to tackle this problem, noting that the government's actions alone would not suffice.

"The collaboration of the Homeopathic Medical Colleges Association is equally crucial. If homeopathy doctors join hands with us, we can prevent such practices," he said.

He also expressed concern over the threat posed to innocent lives by fake doctors. Additionally, representatives of the association urged for the appointment of a homeopathy representative as a syndicate member of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Patil responded positively, assuring that he would discuss the matter with the University chancellors.

The event saw the attendance of several notable figures, including Speaker of the Legislative Assembly U.T. Khader, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao, and key figures from the Homeopathic Medical Colleges Administration Association such as Vinod Doddanavar and K. Chandrashekar.