Dharwad, Sept. 8 (DailyMail24 Online): In a major crackdown on unauthorized dermatology practices, the District Health Office (DHO), Dharwad, conducted surprise raids on multiple Skin Care Centres across the twin cities on Monday. The move comes in response to a formal complaint lodged by the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) Karnataka Branch, which raised alarm over mushrooming unqualified practitioners offering skin and hair-related treatments.
According to officials, six teams comprising district health staff carried out inspections at several centres. Of these, three centres were ordered to shut down immediately for serious violations, while nine others were served notices for further action.
District Health Officer Dr. S.M. Honakeri confirmed that the raids were prompted by growing reports of illegal centres advertising unscientific procedures such as hair transplantation, cosmetic laser treatments, and aesthetic dermatology without qualified doctors.
“Our campaign against illegal treatment centres will continue. We will take all measures to protect poor and innocent people from being exploited in the name of skin and hair care,” Dr. Honakeri said.
Recently officials of IADVL had submitted a complaint to the DHO, it highlighted the risks posed by unqualified individuals—often 10th or 12th pass-outs or non-medical persons—engaging in advanced procedures like hair transplants, use of medical-grade lasers, and injectable treatments. The association pointed out that such practices not only endanger public health but also violate provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The complaint stressed that dermatological and cosmetic procedures should strictly be performed only by qualified professionals such as MD/DNB Dermatologists or MCh/DNB Plastic Surgeons with proper training.
Officials further noted that these illegal centres not only exploit vulnerable patients but also pose life-threatening risks due to unsafe and unscientific treatments.
With notices served, follow-up inspections are expected in the coming weeks as authorities aim to curb the menace of unauthorized dermatology practices in Dharwad and Hubballi.
