In a comprehensive operation, health officials conducted raids on hospitals throughout Belagavi city and various taluks in the district, uncovering multiple fake hospitals and fraudulent doctors.
Led by District Health Officer Dr. Mahesh Koni and Taluk Health Officer Dr. Sanjay Dummagol, a team of officials raided Mulla Hospital in Kerur village, Chikkodi taluk. The inspection revealed that Riyaz Mulla, the hospital operator, was posing as a doctor despite only having completed his Pre-University Course (PUC) and lacking any formal medical education.
The impostor’s true identity was exposed during the verification process, leading health department officials to seize the hospital. DC Nitesh Patil sentenced Riyaz Mulla to one week in jail and imposed a fine of one lakh rupees.
The crackdown continued with an inspection of Shiva Hospital in Badakal Galli, Belagavi city. It was discovered that Dr. S. Devanagamvi was illegally dispensing Ayurvedic medicine while falsely claiming to hold an MBBS degree. Ayurvedic medicines were found at the hospital, prompting authorities to issue a notice to the fake doctor and seize the hospital.
Subsequent raids at Guru Krupa Hospital in Chavat Galli, Belagavi city, revealed that the hospital was operating without proper authorization. Various medical machines, including x-ray equipment, were discovered. The hospital owner, Umesh Acharya, was issued a notice and given a week to respond.