The Gujarat Health Department has detected 38 suspected fake doctors across the state during a 15-day statewide crackdown on unauthorised medical practitioners, with First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against 35 of them, Health Minister Praful Pansheriya announced on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The operation, which deployed 298 inspection teams across all districts, marks one of the most sweeping actions against illegal medical practice in Gujarat in recent memory.

Scale of the Operation

The drive was conducted under the supervision of Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajiv Topno and Health Commissioner Ratankanvar Gadhvi Charan, with teams working in coordination with local police, the Crime Branch, and the Special Operations Group (SOG). The multi-agency approach reflects the state government's acknowledgement that tackling unregistered practitioners requires more than routine health department inspections.

Rajkot emerged as the most affected district, with 17 suspected fake doctors identified — nearly half the statewide total. Surat followed with nine cases, while Gir Somnath recorded three and Surendranagar two. The remaining cases were spread across other districts, one each, bringing the total FIR count to 35.

How the Committees Work

District-level committees, constituted under earlier government directives, played a central role in identifying targets for raids. Each committee comprises the Taluka Health Officer, a Medical Health Officer, a police sub-inspector and head constable of the concerned area, a multipurpose health supervisor, a senior clerk from the taluka health office, and the talati-cum-mantri of the village or locality. According to officials, the committees rely on networks of local informers to flag suspected practitioners before joint teams move in.

Some Suspects Fled Before Raids

Officials noted that a number of suspected practitioners had reportedly shut their clinics and dispensaries and fled before joint teams could arrive. Pansheriya confirmed that the Health Department and police have maintained continued searches and surveillance to trace the absconders. The pre-emptive closures suggest that word of the crackdown had spread among those operating without recognised credentials.

Campaign to Continue; Public Urged to Report

Pansheriya said the campaign would extend beyond the Diwali festive period and appealed to citizens, non-governmental organisations, and local representatives to report anyone suspected of practising medicine illegally. Complaints can be lodged at the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC), Community Health Centre (CHC), police station, or with the SOG. The minister also cautioned the public to seek treatment only from practitioners holding recognised qualifications — including MBBS, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, or other government-approved courses — warning that treatment by unqualified persons could cause permanent harm and put lives at risk. He highlighted that government hospitals, CHCs, and PHCs provide free treatment, medicines, and laboratory diagnostic tests. The drive is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as authorities pursue those who evaded the initial sweep.