Telangana doctors stage protest against govt; demand arrears, healthcare reforms

Hyderabad: Telangana government doctors on Wednesday staged a protest against the government over arrears, delayed general transfers, allowances, and healthcare reforms.

These demonstrations saw the participation of around 200 doctors representing 26 districts, who voiced their support for what they consider to be "justified" demands.

Arrears and Transfers:

The Telangana Teaching Government Doctors Association (TTGDA) led the protest outside the Director of Medical Education's office.

Dr. Kiran Madhala, the Vice-President of TTGDA said: "We want the government to address the pending PRC arrears that have accumulated over the past seven years. The file has been with the CMO for more than eight months now. Additionally, we urge the administration to expedite general transfers that have been on hold for over five years. Many doctors have been confined to the same district for three to four years, affecting their professional growth."

Revising Government Orders:

Another crucial aspect of their protest involves revising Government Order (GO) Ms No. 56.

This revision would address issues related to private practices, enhance infrastructure facilities, and ensure proper fixation of salaries for doctors transferred from Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP) and district hospitals to the Directorate of Medical Education (DME).

Staffing Concerns:

Dr. Sambashiva Reddy, a professor of ophthalmology at Nalgonda Medical College, stressed the need for adequate staffing in medical colleges.

He stated, "Every department in a medical college should have a professor, associate professor, and assistant professor. Unfortunately, many government colleges in the state are severely understaffed in this regard."

This shortage of personnel is particularly concerning, given the transformation of district and taluk hospitals into government medical colleges in places like Adilabad, Sangareddy, and Mancherial.

Call for Action:

Doctors are resolute in their demands, warning of a nationwide indefinite strike involving 26 medical colleges if their concerns are not addressed within a week.

Dr. Sai Ram, a representative of the Telangana Government Doctors Association (TGGDA), echoed these sentiments.

He said, "We are demanding the release of arrears pending since 2016, special allowances for female doctors, time-bound promotions, encashment of earned leaves, and promotions based on seniority."

The protests by government doctors in Telangana serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in the state.

Their demands for overdue arrears, fair transfers, and essential reforms are indicative of the need for comprehensive changes in the healthcare sector to ensure the well-being of both doctors and patients.

As the clock ticks towards the doctors' ultimatum, all eyes are on the government's response to these pressing issues.