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Bribery allegations rock Karnataka Health Department; Lokayukta probes KPME corruption claims
Allegations of rampant corruption have surfaced in the Karnataka Health Department, particularly in Bengaluru, where officials are reportedly demanding bribes for registration and inspection services under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act — despite the availability of online application systems.
The scandal came to light following specific complaints against Dr. Ramesh, the District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), who allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹25,000 — later reduced to ₹15,000 — from a woman doctor in exchange for approving her clinic’s KPME registration. Another doctor who applied online to register an Ayurvedic health centre in Talaghattapura claimed that Dr. Ramesh solicited ₹15,000 during a routine site inspection.
The Karnataka Lokayukta has taken cognizance of the matter. A formal complaint has been filed, accompanied by an audio recording allegedly capturing the bribery demand. Investigations are underway, and officials have hinted that the Economic Offences Wing may be roped in for further inquiry.
While the Health Department has not issued an official response, the scale of alleged malpractice appears widespread. Dr. Sunil, president of the state doctors’ association, told the media that KPME certifications have become a tool for extortion. “For site inspections, officials are demanding ₹50,000 for small clinics, ₹70,000 for polyclinics, ₹1 lakh for nursing homes, and ₹2 lakh for hospitals. Despite an FIR filed against the DTO, no action has followed. This isn’t limited to one district — several doctors have shared similar complaints,” he said.