A 13-year-old Class 9 student from Raichur district in Karnataka reportedly died after receiving treatment from an unqualified practitioner in her village, raising concerns about the continued presence of fake doctors in rural areas.
According to reports, the girl had been staying with her grandmother in Aminagad village of Maski taluk in Raichur district, police said. On Thursday night, after the girl fell ill, her grandmother took her to a private clinic in the village operated by Uttamakumar Sarkar.
The individual reportedly administered an injection as treatment despite lacking formal medical qualifications. The girl initially seemed well, but soon rashes appeared and her condition worsened.
Reports indicate that her health rapidly declined, experiencing swelling, blistering at the injection site prompting concern among family members.
She was immediately taken for further medical attention to a Government hospital; however, she could not be saved.
Authorities suspect that inappropriate or unscientific treatment may have contributed to her deterioration, although the exact cause of death is subject to medical investigation.
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Local police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. Sub-inspector Guru Chandraiah Yadav said the girl had been staying with her grandmother, Yellamma, as her parents Huligeppa and Lakshm, had travelled to Bengaluru for daily wage work. The child was eldest of the three children of the couple.
The individual accused of posing as a doctor is being examined for practicing medicine without proper credentials.
See also: Telangana Fake Eye Doctor Network Busted in Nalgonda
The incident has once again highlighted the issue of unqualified practitioners, often referred to as “quacks,” operating in rural and underserved areas.
In many such regions:
Access to qualified healthcare professionals may be limited
Residents may rely on informal providers due to proximity or affordability
Awareness regarding medical credentials may be low
Medical experts have consistently warned that treatment by unqualified individuals can lead to delayed diagnosis, complications, or fatal outcomes.
Public health authorities have emphasized the importance of seeking care from registered medical practitioners. Strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure and improving awareness about safe medical practices remain critical steps in preventing such incidents.
(Rh)
