The district administration today launched a drive to arrest quacks (fake medical practitioners) in the district and close down the hospitals, clinics run by them.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ramegowda, who convened a meeting of the Task Force of officials formed under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, directed them to immediately take action against quacks in city and elsewhere in the district, whose total number is 92, including 51 in the rural areas.

Soon after the meeting, one Naveen Kumar, posing as a MBBS doctor and running a clinic (Naveen Health and Diet Care Centre) in Chamarajapuram, was arrested by the Police who accompanied the Task Force members during the raid.

It is said that Naveen was arrested six months ago and after coming out on bail, he resumed his illegal practice. Scanning equipment, an X-ray machine and other items used in the clinic were seized. It is said that he has studied up to PUC, but displays a fake MBBS certificate. It is alleged that he prescribes medicines by checking about the ailments online.

The DC, who heads the Task Force as its Chairman, said in the meeting that the quacks administered drugs high in steroids which can result in serious side-effects, including cancer.

District Health Officer Dr. S.M. Malegowda is the Secretary of Task Force. Indian Medical Association-Mysore President Dr. C. Sharath Kumar, DCP (Crime & Traffic) K.P. Bheemaiah, Dr. Veda, Dr. Sathyamurthy, Dr. Satish and others were present.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore