In a significant development concerning healthcare delivery in rural Telangana, Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha informed the legislative council on Friday that the contentious issues surrounding Rural Medical Practitioners (RMPs) and Paramedical Practitioners (PMPs) are currently sub judice, pending before the High Court. He assured that the state government is committed to finding a resolution within the established legal framework.
Debate in Council Highlights Rural Healthcare Gap
The minister's statement came in response to BRS MLC Takkallapalli Ravinder Rao, who raised concerns about the severe lack of affordable and reliable healthcare in rural and semi-urban areas. Rao argued that this gap forces the poor and vulnerable to turn to expensive private hospitals for treatment. He recalled that during the era of united Andhra Pradesh, several government orders had facilitated structured training for RMPs and PMPs, enabling them to serve as first-contact healthcare providers at the grassroots level.
Legal Hurdles and IMA Opposition
Responding to these claims, Minister Rajanarasimha clarified that the state government's hands are tied due to legal restrictions. He acknowledged that while RMPs and PMPs had received training in the past, objections raised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Telangana chapter, and other sections of the medical fraternity led to the matter being challenged in court. "The High Court restrained the State from conducting training programmes or issuing certification to RMPs and PMPs to practise allopathy. The government is duty-bound to comply with judicial directions," the minister explained.
However, he provided an assurance that the government would seriously examine all constructive suggestions from council members to strengthen the healthcare system. He promised to address the long-pending issues related to RMPs and PMPs once the legal hurdles are cleared. These practitioners are often considered unauthorized and colloquially termed as quacks.
Doctors' Body Condemns 'Promotion of Quackery'
The debate triggered a strong reaction from the medical community. The Telangana State Resident Doctors' Association (TSRDA) issued a statement strongly objecting to the remarks made by MLC Ravinder Rao, alleging that they appeared to promote quackery instead of focusing on strengthening legitimate medical education and healthcare institutions.
The association pointed out that its criticism comes at a time when the state's healthcare system is grappling with serious challenges, including a faculty shortage of up to 40% in several medical colleges, which adversely affects both education and patient care. Resident doctors alleged that instead of addressing these pressing infrastructure and staffing issues, some leaders were indulging in political rhetoric and vote-bank politics.
The TSRDA urged the government to prioritize recruiting qualified faculty, strengthening infrastructure, and improving public health services. They warned that divisive statements undermine the integrity of medical education and the healthcare system at large.
