(By Dr. Duvvuru Dwarakanatha Reddy, President – IMA Telangana State, along with Dr. V. Ashok, Hon. Secretary, and Dr. T. Dayal Singh, Finance Secretary, IMA Telangana State)
The Telangana State Budget 2025-26, with an allocation of ₹12,393 crore for the Health, Medical & Family Welfare Department, reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare. However, as President of IMA Telangana, I emphasize that fund allocation alone will not be sufficient unless we address the fundamental issues affecting public health and medical services in the state.
To ensure quality healthcare access for all, IMA Telangana calls for the urgent establishment of a Telangana State Health Commission, a dedicated regulatory body that will monitor healthcare delivery, oversee medical staffing, and curb illegal medical practices.
Urgent Need for a Telangana Health Commission.The establishment of a Health Commission is critical to Monitor public and private healthcare services. Ensure accountability in budget utilization for health projects. Create a transparent system for doctor recruitment, medical infrastructure development, and patient safety.
Many states have successfully implemented Health Commissions to regulate and improve healthcare quality. Telangana must prioritize this reform to ensure that healthcare delivery is patient-centric, efficient, and accountable.
Immediate Recruitment of Doctors & Medical Staff: Over 2,500 doctor vacancies remain unfilled across Telangana, severely impacting healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Many government hospitals and PHCs are understaffed, leading to patient overload in urban centers and delays in treatment.
Strengthening Rural Healthcare & Urban Dawakhanas: Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Rural Health Centers are the backbone of public health. However, many remain underfunded and lack essential facilities, including diagnostic labs, equipment, and specialist doctors. IMA Telangana urges the government to Upgrade rural hospitals with better diagnostic and treatment facilities. Ensure specialist doctor availability in PHCs. Strengthen Urban Dawakhanas, ensuring availability of qualified doctors and essential medicines.
Stringent Action Against Quackery & Unregulated Medical Practices: The rise of quack doctors (fake medical practitioners) in Telangana is a public health emergency. Many quacks are prescribing antibiotics without proper knowledge, leading to Severe antibiotic resistance in rural areas. Wrong dosages for children and adults, causing life-threatening complications. Delayed diagnosis and mistreatment of serious illnesses.