Telangana Doctors Stage Sustained Protest Against Government Order
Doctors throughout Telangana have maintained continuous protests for two full weeks. Their opposition targets Government Order 229, which authorizes the state government to nominate four additional ex-officio members to the Telangana Medical Council. Medical professionals firmly believe this action compromises the council's independent authority and diminishes the influence of its elected representatives.
Creative Protests During Sankranti Festival
During the recent Sankranti celebrations, some physicians adopted creative methods to voice their dissent. They designed colorful rangoli artworks carrying clear messages like 'Revoke GO 229.' This visual protest highlighted the community's deep concern over the government's decision.
Various medical associations have issued strong warnings. They state the order could seriously undermine the council's essential regulatory duties. These critical functions include monitoring medical ethics, managing licensing procedures, and enforcing professional standards across the state.
Young Doctors and Students Voice Specific Anxieties
Medical students and early-career doctors have expressed particular alarm. They feel they would face the most severe consequences from any regulatory weakening. Many MBBS graduates from district medical colleges begin independent practice if they cannot secure postgraduate seats. These young practitioners emphasize that strong, effective regulation is absolutely necessary to protect qualified doctors and maintain public trust.
Composition of the Council and the Quackery Challenge
The Telangana Medical Council currently operates with 25 members. This body includes:
- 13 elected members
- 6 government nominees
- 2 representatives from KNRUHS
- 4 ex-officio government officials
GO 229 introduces four more ex-officio members. This change increases the total number of state-nominated ex-officio members to eight. Doctors argue this shift in balance is happening at a critical time. They estimate nearly 50,000 unqualified practitioners, often called quacks, operate across Telangana, with a heavy concentration in rural regions.
The livelihood and professional standing of qualified doctors depend on strict, consistent regulation. Physicians point out that the TGMC has recently increased its actions against illegal medical practice. This crackdown provides crucial protection for ethical doctors following proper procedures.
Recent Council Actions and Professional Accountability
Over the past several years, the council has registered hundreds of First Information Reports against quacks and unqualified individuals. Investigations suggest some of these illegal practitioners received backing from registered doctors. The council has also suspended five doctors for professional misconduct and ethical violations under existing medical laws.
Dr. Srinath, president of the Telangana Senior Residents Doctors Association, explained the broader concern. "If quackery is not stopped effectively, it negatively impacts all qualified doctors," he stated. "In the future, we will also be part of this council, so every medical professional is genuinely concerned about its direction and authority."
Legal and Structural Objections Raised
A senior TGMC member communicated specific legal objections to the order. The member clarified that the existing law permits only four ex-officio members and one officer. "There is no legal provision to appoint four additional ex-officio members," the member asserted. "Furthermore, all council members must be qualified doctors. The officers nominated under this new order do not hold medical qualifications."
Doctors' associations have united in their demand. They insist the government must withdraw GO 229 completely. Their goal is to ensure the medical council remains a body led predominantly by doctors, preserving its professional character and decision-making autonomy.
Government Stance and Likely Outcome
Despite the ongoing protests, sources within the health department indicate the order has been formally issued. These sources suggest a rollback is now unlikely. The situation presents a standoff between the medical community seeking to protect its regulatory autonomy and the state government implementing its administrative changes.
