Telangana’s medical and health sector has spiraled into chaos, plagued by negligence, corruption, and lack of funding. Departments such as the Directorate of Public Health (DPH), Directorate of Medical Education (DME), National Health Mission (NHM), and Telangana State Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TGMSIDC) are embroiled in controversies and inefficiencies.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha faces criticism for being confined to conducting surface-level reviews rather than taking proactive measures.
Once regarded as symbols of excellence, premier hospitals like Gandhi, Osmania, and Niloufer are now in dire straits due to inadequate facilities. Last month, Gandhi Hospital experienced a four-day water supply disruption, forcing doctors to postpone surgeries and lock bathrooms.
A similar situation unfolded at Niloufer Hospital in early November, where over 50 surgeries had to be postponed due to water shortages. Such incidents exemplify the deteriorating state of healthcare. Complaints of insufficient facilities and delays in medical reimbursements are widespread, affecting super-specialty and district hospitals alike.
After the Congress party came into power, allegations of corruption began to surface. In February, work orders and deputations in the medical department were canceled amidst accusations of bribery. A nurse publicly alleged that she had paid bribes to multiple officials, including the DPH.
Despite inquiries conducted by authorities, no report was ever released. In July, nurses staged protests over irregularities in general transfers, leading to vigilance inquiries and memos issued to several officials. Furthermore, lax supervision over Primary Health Centers (PHCs) has left many CCTV systems non-functional, with reports of records being tampered with.
The onset of monsoon usually signals preparations for managing seasonal diseases. However, this year, hospitals across the state grappled with severe drug shortages. Suppliers halted deliveries due to unpaid bills, and TGMSIDC cited delayed NHM funds as the reason for not procuring medicines.
The medical department’s mishandling of MBBS admissions caused significant distress to students this year. Confusion over determining the local status led to numerous court cases, with 53 petitions filed in the High Court.
Eventually, the matter escalated to the Supreme Court. The July 19 GO-33, defining ‘local’ students, excluded many Telangana students who had studied in other states for legitimate reasons. After widespread backlash, the government made exceptions for petitioners but has yet to resolve the broader issue.
Differences between senior officials, including the Health Secretary and the DPH, have added to the department’s dysfunction. Reports suggest that disputes even reached the attention of Minister Damodar, highlighting the fractured state of leadership.
Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha has been accused of showing minimal interest in the medical sector since assuming the portfolio. Initial months saw a lack of major reviews or field visits, with active engagement starting only after mounting criticism reached the Chief Minister.
Even now, employees complain that the reviews are superficial and fail to address underlying problems. Calls for the minister to conduct frequent hospital inspections and implement tangible solutions remain unanswered.
The medical sector in Telangana, once a point of pride, now faces a multifaceted crisis marked by neglect, corruption, and mismanagement. Immediate corrective measures are needed to restore public confidence and ensure accessible, quality healthcare for all.