Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada health and family welfare department has issued a warning notice to clinics operating without registration under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act.District health officer Dr Thimmaiah HR said during inspections, it was observed that many beauty salons in the Mangaluru city area display signs as skin care and aesthetic clinics without dermatologists or specialist doctors and are conducting hair transplants, laser treatments, micro-needling, and invasive procedures illegally. Notices have been issued to 10 establishments, and two were closed down.“If violations continue, legal actions will be taken under the KPME Act, and such establishments will be closed down,” said Dr Thimmaiah. Currently, several clinics and private establishments in the district are operating without registration as per the KPME Act, according to a complaint by the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists & Leprologists Dakshina Kannada (IADVL). An emergency meeting was convened, and teams were formed to inspect these unregistered establishments and clinics. It was found that many establishments were operating without registration. Some establishments were instructed to close, and notices were issued to rectify the situation within a stipulated time, he said.“One establishment in Deralakatte and another in Mangaluru city have been closed. Notices have been issued to 10 establishments during the visit, and a warning has been given that any further violation of the KPME Act will result in permanent closure,” he said, adding that senior health department officials, dermatologists, and staff are part of the operation.In light of this, all unauthorised clinics and establishments such as cosmetic studios and hair transplant health & glo clinics conducting invasive procedures or using laser equipment are violating the KPME Act. Additionally, there is a possibility of submitting fake certificates. Therefore, applications must be submitted with appropriate medical records and certificates to obtain licences, failing which action will be taken under the KPME Act, the DHO warned.
