Girl’s death in Andhra tribal belt prompts crackdown on ‘fake doctors’

The death of 14-year-old Korra Poojitha, a Class IX student of Pedabayalu Girls High School, allegedly following treatment by unauthorised medical practitioners, has led to the launch of a drive against illegal medical practice in Alluri Sitharama Raju district.

Addressing the media on Saturday, Paderu Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Project Officer T. Sri Pooja said the girl had developed health complications and was initially treated by private medical practitioners.

Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) later intervened and ensured the parents brought her to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Pedabayalu, she said.

As her condition reportedly deteriorated, she was referred to the Government General Hospital (GGH) at Paderu, where she died on January 14 while undergoing treatment.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Ms. Sri Pooja appealed to parents to take children to nearby PHCs without delay in case of illness. She also pointed out that families often hesitate to shift patients even when PHCs advise referral to district or higher-level hospitals.

She said unqualified individuals frequently posed as doctors in weekly markets and remote villages, and warned that criminal action would be initiated against those involved in unauthorised practice.

Ms. Sri Pooja said criminal cases would also be registered against those responsible for circumstances that allegedly contributed to the girl’s death.

She added that the Health Department, in coordination with other government departments, would undertake a special drive to identify unauthorised medical practitioners in the district and take action.

She also advised parents against administering traditional medicines without prescription from qualified doctors. In case ‘108’ ambulance services are unavailable or calls do not connect, the public can contact the DM&HO office at 6303921374, she said.

Government Medical College Principal Dr D. Hemalatha Devi, District Additional DMHO Dr Pratap, and other officials were present.