TGGDA expresses serious concern over suspension of Zaheerabad Area Hospital in-charge MS Dr Sreedhar

Hyderabad: Telangana Government Doctors’ Association (TGGDA) has expressed serious concern over the suspension of the doctor at a government hospital in Zaheerabad.

Dr. V. Sreedhar Kumar, the in-charge superintendent of the Zaheerabad Area Hospital, was suspended by the Telangana Health Department. The suspension followed allegations of professional and administrative lapses during a power outage on May 3.

The association expressed serious concern over what it called “unjust disciplinary action without due process” and demanded an independent inquiry and urgent infrastructure reforms.

Incident Linked to Power Outage, Not Medical Negligence

According to TGGDA, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 PM during a power outage. Due to overcast conditions, natural light was inadequate, and doctors had to rely on mobile phone flashlights and torches to continue providing care, including monitoring vital signs.

“There was a power cut. They checked the patient’s blood pressure. No patient died. They used the mobile to do so. Using a mobile to check BP is not a crime,” said Dr. Narahari, President of TGGDA, in a statement to Newsmeter. “Because of this, the doctor got suspended. But it is very unnecessary. You can’t suspend someone based on some tweets. That doctor served for 25 years. There is no negligence at all”.

Doctors Say They Are Being Unfairly Targeted

In its official statement, TGGDA warned against the growing trend of blaming healthcare workers for systemic failures.

“A concerning pattern is emerging where, following any unfortunate event, doctors are blamed and punished without a complete investigation. This is deeply unjust,” the statement said. “Targeting healthcare professionals who serve under pressure and in difficult conditions severely affects their morale and commitment.”

Infrastructure Accountability Lacking

The doctors’ association pointed out that the availability and maintenance of emergency lighting and power backup systems fall under administrative responsibility, not medical staff.

“It is not acceptable for a doctor to be forced to treat patients using a mobile flashlight in a government hospital,” said the TGGDA, calling for regular audits and stricter accountability from hospital administration and health authorities.

Failure to Follow Investigative Protocols

TGGDA also raised concerns about procedural lapses, specifically the absence of a Vigilance Officer in the Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP), which has left the system without a mechanism for fair inquiry.

“According to standard protocol, the Head of Department must submit a preliminary report before any disciplinary action. Without key roles like Vigilance Officers being filled, decisions like suspensions are made without proper assessment,” the association stated.

TGGDA’s Key Demands

The association concluded its statement with a list of specific demands:

Appoint an Independent Inquiry Committee to review the Zaheerabad case and similar incidents impartially.

Conduct a Statewide Infrastructure Audit across all government hospitals to identify systemic gaps.

Ensure Due Process before any disciplinary actions are taken

Protect the Digniyy of Healthcare Workers, allowing them to work without fear of arbitrary punishment.

“Doctors dedicate their lives to saving others. Don’t they deserve a system that lets them live and work with dignity, too?” the statement asked.

The Telangana Government Doctors’ Association has reiterated that while accountability is important, it must begin with addressing systemic and infrastructural shortcomings, not punishing individual doctors without investigation.