Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Mangaluru, Feb 22: Health department officials conducted a raid on an unauthorized blood testing centre and clinic in Vittal on Saturday, subsequently sealing the premises for operating without a valid license.

The action followed a complaint from an individual who had undergone a blood test at the facility. Suspecting the accuracy of the results, the individual sought a second opinion at another lab. Furthermore, the original report provided by the facility lacked the necessary signatures, prompting the individual to file a complaint with the district health and family welfare officer (DHO).

Based on the complaint, the Bantwal taluk health officer and the district project development officer/nodal officer were directed to conduct a joint investigation. Following their report, the DHO ordered immediate enforcement action.

Unauthorised operations detected

On Saturday, district enforcement officer Dr Deepa Prabhu, taluk health officer Dr Ashok Kumar Rai, and their team visited the clinic for an inspection. The investigation revealed that the establishment was operating illegally without the mandatory registration under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act (KPME).

Consequently, the authorities sealed the clinic and the laboratory. Personnel from the Vittal police station assisted in the operation.

District health and family welfare officer Dr H R Thimmaiah stated that strict action will be initiated under the KPME Act against any such unauthorized institutions found operating in the district in the future.