Warangal (Telangana): In what sounds like a plot straight out of a crime thriller, a 65-year-old insurance agent from Warangal has been exposed for allegedly running a medical practice for nearly four decades without any qualifications. The Telangana State Medical Council (TGMC) has now initiated legal proceedings against the man, identified as Easwariah, who reportedly treated unsuspecting patients with antibiotics, injections, and even malaria medications.
From Insurance Desk to “Doctor’s” Chair
According to officials, Easwariah was an LIC agent by profession, but sometime in the early 1980s he set up a small facility named Triveni Clinic in Tilak Nagar, Warangal. Over the years, he allegedly won the trust of local residents, prescribing medicines and administering injections despite possessing no recognized medical degree.
“He presented himself as a doctor for decades. Villagers relied on him for everything from fever treatment to malaria injections. It’s only after complaints surfaced that the truth came out,” a TGMC official said.
Patients at Risk
Investigators believe thousands of patients may have consulted him over the years. Medical experts warn that such unqualified practices pose a serious threat to public health, as misuse of antibiotics and improper treatment can worsen illnesses, delay genuine medical care, and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
TGMC Steps In
The Telangana Medical Council registered a case against Easwariah under provisions of the Indian Medical Council Act and the Telangana Medical Practitioners Act. Authorities said they are also exploring whether further criminal charges should be pressed for impersonation and endangering lives.
“Practicing without a license is not just illegal—it is dangerous. We are committed to taking strict action against quacks who put lives at risk,” the council’s spokesperson stated.
The Larger Problem of Quackery
This case once again highlights the persistent issue of medical quackery in rural and semi-urban India, where access to affordable healthcare remains limited. Locals often turn to self-styled practitioners who promise quick relief at low costs, inadvertently putting themselves in harm’s way.
Public health activists are now urging the government to tighten enforcement, raise community awareness, and expand affordable healthcare services to curb the menace of unqualified practitioners.