Hyderabad, December 2, 2025: The proliferation of unregulated treatment centers for piles across Telangana has emerged as a major public health crisis, with tragic incidents in November that underscores the deadly consequences of seeking care from unlicensed practitioners.
A 16-year-old intermediate student died on November 22 after receiving treatment for piles at an unlicensed clinic in Hyderabad. The teenager had initially visited the clinic on November 12 but continued experiencing severe bleeding and complications. Despite repeated visits, his condition deteriorated, eventually requiring emergency admission to a government hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police have filed charges under Section 106 of the Indian Penal Code for death caused by negligence. The clinic operator reportedly admitted to learning treatment methods from predecessors, with his wife assisting during procedures.
Earlier in November, a 17-year-old student from Mallapur, Medchal, died following a procedure at a private clinic in Hayathnagar, while a 29-year-old man from Narsampet, Warangal, was left in critical condition after surgery at another unregistered facility.
The crisis extends far beyond these isolated cases. Health authorities estimate that approximately 850–900 unauthorized piles treatment centers operate across Telangana, with 150–200 in Hyderabad alone and around 30 in Warangal.
The Telangana Medical Council estimates that nearly 50,000 unqualified individuals are providing medical treatment statewide.
Dr. G. Srinivas, TGMC vice chairman, warned that many centers operate from small rented rooms or makeshift clinics, with some using crude instruments to treat piles without proper anesthesia or sterilization.
Senior general surgeon Dr. Naresh Kumar V, speaking to TOI, emphasized that the perception of piles treatment as simple and minor is a dangerous misconception that costs lives. He explained that proper surgical intervention requires comprehensive clinical evaluation, safe anesthesia administration, strict infection control protocols, and appropriate post-operative monitoring.
“When untrained hands attempt it, the risks of severe bleeding, sepsis, fistula formation, and even death rise sharply," he added.
Dr. A. Lingam, IMA Gajwel president and general surgeon, noted that many patients are attracted by low fees and avoid registered hospitals due to embarrassment. “Most victims come from less-educated backgrounds and are reluctant to discuss anorectal diseases. This makes them easy targets,” he added.
The cost disparity is significant: unqualified practitioners in rural areas charge ₹6,000–₹7,000, while those in urban centers like Hyderabad demand ₹20,000–₹25,000.
In contrast, qualified specialists charge approximately ₹70,000 or more for proper surgical treatment with appropriate safeguards.
The Telangana Medical Council has recently intensified enforcement efforts, conducting inspections across Hyderabad that resulted in shutting down five illegal clinics, with dozens more under review.
However, health department officials acknowledge that enforcement has struggled to keep pace with the rapid proliferation of illegal facilities.
A senior health department official admitted that minimal barriers exist to prevent anyone from renting space, displaying signage, and falsely claiming medical expertise. Authorities are developing plans for more rigorous inspections, stronger penalties, and streamlined reporting mechanisms.
Dr. Naresh urged the public to prioritize safety over embarrassment, advising people to verify practitioners’ credentials and seek treatment exclusively from qualified surgeons.
(Rh/VK/MSM)
