A coordinated enforcement drive in Telangana has uncovered a network of individuals allegedly practicing ophthalmology without proper qualifications in Miryalaguda, Nalgonda district. The month-long operation resulted in multiple arrests and police cases, raising concerns about unauthorized medical practice and patient safety.
The Telangana Medical Council (TGMC), in coordination with local police, conducted inspections following intelligence about suspicious eye clinics in Miryalaguda. The operation identified several centers where individuals without recognized medical qualifications were allegedly providing eye care services independently. Five people were arrested and six FIRs were registered. Notices were also issued to certain registered doctors whose names appeared on clinic boards.
The inquiry began in December 2025, with surprise inspections carried out on December 20. Investigators reportedly used undercover visits and document verification to confirm whether clinics were functioning without the presence of qualified ophthalmologists.
The probe found that some facilities were being run primarily by Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistance (DOA) holders and other technicians who were examining patients and recommending treatment without authorized supervision.
Inspection teams visited multiple eye care centers and noted that clinic signboards prominently displayed the names of registered ophthalmologists. However, in several locations, these doctors were not regularly present.
Officials documented instances where unqualified personnel issued prescriptions, advised surgical procedures, and stocked allopathic medicines. In one reported case, a patient with a problem in one eye was advised surgery in both eyes, while a qualified ophthalmologist later recommended treatment only for the affected eye.
At another facility, inspectors reported that an individual without recognized medical credentials examined patients, administered injections, and prescribed drugs. Improper biomedical waste disposal, including used syringes, was also observed.
Under Indian healthcare norms, Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistance holders are trained to support ophthalmologists in clinical settings, particularly within government programmes. They are not legally authorized to independently diagnose diseases, prescribe medicines, or recommend surgical procedures.
Independent clinical decision-making is restricted to registered medical practitioners under existing regulations.
The Telangana Medical Practitioners Registration (TMPR) Act, 1968 prohibits individuals who are not registered medical practitioners from practicing modern medicine. Violations can lead to criminal prosecution, fines, and closure of facilities.
Authorities invoked relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with Section 22 of the TMPR Act while filing cases in this matter.
Police registered six FIRs based on evidence collected during the inspections. Submitted materials reportedly include inspection reports, copies of prescriptions, video documentation, and samples of medicines.
The Telangana Medical Council has also requested district authorities to cancel the registrations of the implicated clinics and prevent further unauthorized practice. The role of registered doctors whose names were displayed at the centers is under review.
Unsupervised clinical practice can expose patients to incorrect diagnosis, unnecessary procedures, inappropriate medication use, and infection risks. Eye care in particular requires specialized training because improper treatment can lead to vision loss or other complications.
Health authorities have reiterated that only duly registered medical practitioners are legally permitted to independently evaluate and treat patients.
The TGMC led the enforcement effort by coordinating inspections, gathering documentary evidence, and working with law enforcement agencies. The council has indicated that monitoring of similar facilities will continue to prevent recurrence of such violations.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are examining additional evidence and reviewing the involvement of all individuals linked to the clinics. Further regulatory and legal action may follow based on the findings.
Health officials have advised the public to verify the credentials of eye care providers before seeking treatment.
(Rh/SS)
