Karnataka to Crack Down on Fake Doctors, Hold Health Officers Accountable

Karnataka will take stringent legal action against fake doctors, and District Health Officers (DHOs) and Taluk Health Officers (THOs) may be held accountable if such practitioners are found operating in their jurisdictions, Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader said on Saturday.

Speaking to presspersons in Dharwad, the Minister said an official order to this effect would be issued shortly. "If a fake doctor is found during an inspection, the concerned DHO will be held responsible and action will be taken," he said.

On tobacco control, Mr. Khader said the government had prohibited the sale of paan masala and gutka containing tobacco and nicotine. He urged people to remain aware of the health risks associated with tobacco and to refrain from its use.

The Minister said the government was taking food adulteration seriously and that inspections were being carried out at various levels. Steps were also being taken to ensure consumers were not misled at hotels and other food establishments.

He urged people to give priority to the quality and safety of food rather than the appearance of an establishment, and to bring instances of poor hygiene or unsafe food practices to the notice of the authorities. A QR code system has been introduced to facilitate public reporting, and officials have been instructed to create awareness about the facility.

Responding to questions on the Enforcement Directorate's action against Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Mr. Khader described it as part of what he termed "targeted politics". He alleged that a large proportion of ED cases were aimed at Congress leaders and that many such cases were subsequently closed after investigations found no wrongdoing.

Mr. Khader also alleged that similar action was not being taken against BJP leaders and said the issue had prompted public discussion. Political targeting through investigative agencies was not desirable from the perspective of the future, he said.