After the apprehension of an unlicensed medical practitioner in Kittur town last week for conducting illicit abortions, the health department and district administration have launched a campaign against unauthorized clinics in Belgaum district. Led by District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Mahesh Koni, health officials conducted a raid on Shiva Clinic in Bhadakal Galli on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of another unqualified practitioner, Umesh Acharya.
Speaking to reporters, DHO Koni mentioned that the clinic had been operating without the necessary permissions and lacked essential infrastructure and certificates. Additionally, the staff did not possess adequate qualifications. Koni expressed concerns about the legality of a nearby hospital and stated that further inspection would determine if action was warranted.
During the raid, officials discovered patients at the clinic receiving treatments for neurological and cosmetic issues. Present during the operation were Taluk Health Officer (THO) Dr. Sanjay Dummagol, District AYUSH Officer Dr. Shrikant Sunadholi, Nodal Officer Dr. Vishwanath Bhovi, Tahsildar Sidarai Bhosagi, Assistant Commissioner Basavanneppa Kalashetti, and police personnel.
District Collector Nitesh Patil, also serving as the chairman of the District KPME Registration and Grievances Redressal Authority, sentenced Riyaz Mulla, a quack from Kerur village in Chikkodi taluk, to one week in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on him.
The Taluk Health Officer (THO) had conducted a raid on Riyaz Mulla’s clinic on March 23, seizing allopathic medicines. Following this, the THO submitted a report to the District KPME Registration and Grievances Redressal Authority, alleging that Riyaz Mulla was operating the clinic illegally without a valid medical degree. During the trial proceedings, the accused admitted to the charges.
