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HYDERABAD — A silent public health crisis is unfolding in the bylanes of Telangana, where the promise of a “guaranteed, knife-free cure” for hemorrhoids is luring desperate patients into death traps.
The issue was brought into sharp focus this November following two harrowing tragedies. On November 22, a 17-year-old student from Medchal lost his life following a botched procedure at an unregistered clinic in Hayathnagar. Just weeks earlier, a 16-year-old boy died under similar circumstances, and a 29-year-old man from Warangal was left fighting for his life after a crude surgery went wrong.
These are not isolated incidents but the grim fallout of a booming industry of quackery. Officials estimate that between 850 and 900 illegal treatment centers are currently operating across the state, with nearly 200 in Hyderabad alone. Run by unqualified practitioners often operating out of single rented rooms, these clinics prey on two powerful motivators: financial desperation and profound social stigma.
The “Quick Fix” Trap
Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, affect millions of Indians, yet the condition remains shrouded in embarrassment. Illegal practitioners exploit this silence, marketing themselves as “traditional specialists” who can cure the condition without “major surgery.”
In reality, the treatments offered are often barbaric. Investigations by the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) have revealed that many of these centers use corrosive chemicals to “burn” hemorrhoidal tissue or employ crude, unsterilized instruments to slice them away.
“Some burn piles using crude instruments or perform procedures without anesthesia or sterilization,” said Dr. G. Srinivas, Vice Chairman of the TGMC. “This is extremely dangerous and frequently leads to life-threatening infections.”
Medical Reality vs. Quackery
The medical consensus is clear: hemorrhoid treatment is a graded process. Early stages are managed with diet and medication, while advanced cases may require surgical intervention by a qualified proctologist or general surgeon.
Dr. Naresh Kumar V, a senior general surgeon, warns that the trivialization of the condition is a fatal error. “The belief that piles treatment is a small, simple procedure is a misconception costing lives,” Dr. Kumar stated. “Proper piles surgery requires clinical evaluation, safe anesthesia, infection control, and post-operative care. When untrained hands attempt it, the risks of severe bleeding, sepsis, fistula formation, and even death rise sharply.”
Botched procedures often result in permanent damage, such as anal strictures (narrowing of the anal canal) or fecal incontinence, leaving patients with lifelong disabilities that are far worse than the original condition.
The Cost of Shame
Why do patients risk their lives at these clinics? The answer lies in the economics of healthcare and the psychology of shame.
Illegal clinics in rural areas charge between ₹6,000 and ₹7,000 for a procedure, while those in Hyderabad charge ₹20,000 to ₹25,000. In contrast, a safe surgery in a regulated hospital can cost upwards of ₹70,000.
“Many patients are lured by low fees and hesitate to visit registered hospitals out of shame,” explained Dr. A. Lingam, President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Gajwel branch. “Most victims come from less-educated backgrounds and are reluctant to discuss anorectal diseases, which makes them easy targets.”
Regulatory Crackdown
The state health apparatus is scrambling to contain the surge. The TGMC has already filed over 500 FIRs against unqualified practitioners in recent months. However, officials admit that enforcement is struggling to keep pace with the mushrooming clinics.
“It is far too easy for anyone to rent a room, put up a board, and claim to be a piles specialist,” a senior health official admitted. The department is now planning stringent inspections and tougher penalties to dismantle these networks.
What Patients Need to Know
Health experts urge the public to verify the credentials of any doctor offering surgical intervention. A legitimate practitioner must hold an MBBS degree followed by a specialized post-graduate degree in surgery (MS or DNB).
Dr. Naresh Kumar offers a stark reminder to those considering a ‘quick fix’ to save money or face: “People must always check a doctor’s credentials and seek treatment only from qualified surgeons. No embarrassment is worth risking your life.”
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References
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Sarkar, R. D. (2025, December 1). Telangana grapples with surge in illegal piles treatment centres. Medical Dialogues. https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/telangana-grapples-with-surge-in-illegal-piles-treatment-centres-159793
Relevant Video
For more context on the crackdown against these illegal practices, watch this report on recent raids conducted by the authorities:
Telangana Medical Council Raids Illegal Clinics
This video is relevant because it visualizes the enforcement actions discussed in the article, showing the reality of the “clinics” being shut down by the Telangana Medical Council.
