Major Health Department Raid Exposes Rampant Malpractice in Gunupur
In a significant crackdown on illegal medical practices, the Rayagada administration sealed six unauthorized clinics and pathology laboratories in Gunupur on Friday. The action came after a series of raids revealed large-scale violations, including operations without valid licenses, treatment by unqualified persons, and the absence of mandatory medical registrations.
Public Complaints Trigger Widespread Inspections
The operation was led by Gunupur sub-collector Dudhal Abhishek Dilip and was initiated following numerous complaints from the public. Residents had alleged that several unregistered clinics and diagnostic centers were operating freely in the town, exploiting unsuspecting patients. The raid team conducted thorough inspections across key areas of the town, including Old Gunupur, Bypass Road, Old Bus Stand, and Balika High School Square.
The establishments that came under scrutiny were MM Medics Clinic, Amulya Bharat, Joseph Sabar, Ananta Das Clinic, Amma Clinic, and Radhika Doctor's Chamber. Official sources confirmed that several of these centers were found to be functioning without the necessary licenses and, most alarmingly, without qualified medical practitioners on site.
Patients Rescued and Legal Proceedings Initiated
During the raids, authorities discovered patients undergoing treatment in some of these illicit clinics. As a precautionary measure, these individuals were immediately shifted to the Gunupur government hospital to receive proper and safe medical attention. The sealed establishments have now been officially handed over to the police.
The Officer-in-Charge (IIC) of the Gunupur Adarsha police station has been directed to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for running these illegal operations. Sub-Collector Abhishek stated, "These illegal clinics and patholabs, mostly run by unqualified quacks, have been exploiting innocent patients and conducting wrongful treatments for a long time. The administration will not tolerate such malpractice."
He emphasized that strict legal measures are being pursued and warned that similar surprise raids would continue across different parts of the Gunupur sub-division. Furthermore, the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer (CDM&PHO) of Rayagada has been instructed to dispatch a technical team to verify the documents and licenses of all clinics and diagnostic centers operating in the area to prevent future violations.
"The drive against unauthorised medical establishments will continue in the coming days, and stringent action will be taken against the defaulters," the sub-collector affirmed, signaling a sustained effort to sanitize the region's healthcare landscape.
