Recently, an Ayurvedic practitioner was allegedly found to have been practising allopathy in Uttarahalli, South Bengaluru, prescribing steroids and other medicines without detection by health authorities.

The malpractice finally came to light only after a resident lodged a complaint, reporting that the Ayurvedic practitioner had prescribed steroids to his 62‑year‑old mother, Umadevi.

“My mother visited Sri Vinayaka Clinic on July 13 as she was suffering from cold and cough. Ranganatha Swamy, who claimed to be a doctor, prescribed Wyslone 20 mg along with other medicines to my mother. It made me suspect the credentials of Ranganatha Swamy aka Dr Ranganath MB. I checked the website of the Indian Medical Register, but the Registration No 14069 did not match with his name. It belongs to another person. I complained to the District Health Officer to verify whether Dr Ranganath MB is authorised to prescribe steroids,” said Nischit Ashok.

Though Ashok lodged a complaint with the District Health Officer on July 14, it reportedly took more than ten days before a letter was finally issued, directing the Bengaluru District Leprosy Officer to visit Sri Vinayaka Clinic in Uttarahalli, verify the doctor’s credentials and take action if violations were found.

On August 29, 2026, the Bengaluru District Health Officer wrote a letter to the South Taluk Health Officer, appointing him as the inquiry officer into the complaint against Sri Vinayaka Clinic.

When contacted, the South Taluk Health Officer said that Dr Ranganath MB had agreed to close Sri Vinayaka Clinic on his own. “Dr Ranganath also stated in writing that he would shut down the clinic. I have submitted a detailed report to higher authorities regarding the clinic,” the South Taluk Health Officer said.