1,061 doctors have been appointed in 34 specialized fields to serve in teaching hospitals
IndiGlobal Bureau
In what can be termed as a historical move, the Telangana Government appointed 1,061 doctors and appointment letters were handed over at Shilpakala Vedika on Monday. Health Minister Harish Rao extended a warm welcome to the newly appointed assistant professors who will be serving in government hospitals. Speaking at the event, Minister Harish Rao expressed his gratitude towards the parents and teachers of the assistant professors for their invaluable contribution in shaping their lives and training them to save lives.
Minister Harish Rao acknowledged the commendable efforts of Chief Minister KCR in establishing numerous medical colleges and hospitals to strengthen healthcare in the state. He congratulated the Health department for completing the transparent recruitment process and issuing appointment orders within a remarkable timeframe of just five months.
Minister Harish Rao also highlighted the recent appointment of 969 Civil Assistant Surgeons at the same platform. Furthermore, he announced the upcoming online recruitment process for 5,204 staff nurse posts through computer-based tests.
Minister Harish Rao acknowledged Chief Minister KCR’s realization of a long- standing dream by regularizing a total of 1,331 contract employees in seven departments of the Health sector. This significant development encompasses various positions, including Multi-Purpose Health Assistants, Lab Technicians, Paramedical Ophthalmic Officers, and Doctors from the Ayush Department. He emphasized that this move signifies the government’s dedication to providing stability and support to its healthcare workforce.
Highlighting the government’s relentless efforts, Minister Harish Rao revealed that over the past nine years, 22,263 posts have been filled in the health department alone, with an ongoing process to fill another 9,222 posts, expected to conclude within the next two to three months. Since the formation of Telangana, the government has initiated the recruitment process for a total of 31,484 posts, reflecting their commitment to providing ample job opportunities.
Highlighting the significant progress in organ transplantation, Minister Harish Rao praised Telangana for providing free organ transplants to the poor, with Hyderabad ranking highest in the country in terms of kidney transplants.
Minister Harish Rao announced the allocation of doctors to remote medical colleges, such as Mahabubabad, Nagar Kurnool, and Jayashankar Bhupalapalli, aiming to enhance healthcare services in these areas. He expressed his aspiration for Telangana to secure the first position in the NITI Aayog ranking and urged everyone to work together towards achieving this goal.
He highlighted the positive impact of Basti Dawakhanas and Palle Dawakhanas in relieving the burden on major hospitals, enabling them to focus more on tertiary services.
Drawing attention to the government’s commitment to healthcare expenditure, Minister Rao revealed an unprecedented budget allocation of Rs. 12,364 crores. He emphasized that the per capita expenditure on medical treatment in Telangana stands at Rs. 3,532, ranking third in the country. Minister proudly mentioned the smooth implementation of online processes, ensuring the availability of medicines and equipment.
Minister Rao further discussed the extensive range of diagnostic tests provided by T Diagnostic, which currently stands at 57 types and is set to increase to 134 within the next month. Previous governments failed to establish sufficient medical colleges, which compelled Telangana students to study abroad.
Last year, eight medical colleges were inaugurated, and an additional nine are set to commence operations this year. Minister Harish Rao proudly announced that eight medical colleges have already received approval from the National Medical Commission.
Minister Harish Rao proudly shared the growth in medical education, stating that while Telangana had only 20 medical colleges (public and private) before 2014, the number has now increased to 55. He emphasized that the establishment of 35 medical colleges within nine years provides a compelling response to those questioning the state’s progress. The number of MBBS seats has also witnessed a substantial rise, from 2,950 in 2014 to 8,340 presently, representing a 71% increase nationwide. Telangana’s increase stands at an impressive 124%. Similarly, in terms of PG seats, Telangana’s increase of 111% surpasses the national growth rate of 68%.
Minister Harish Rao highlighted the recent amendment reserving 85% of B-category seats for Telangana students, enabling 1,071 additional MBBS seats in private medical colleges to be allocated to local students.
Minister Rao revealed the government’s ambitious plans to enhance healthcare infrastructure, including the forthcoming Warangal Health City with 2,000 beds and an investment of 1,100 crores. Additionally, the expansion of Nims hospitals with 1,000 beds, Nims with 2,000 beds, MNJ Hospital with 300 to 750 beds, and the establishment of super specialty MCH in Nims will result in a total of 10,000 super specialty beds. Minister Harish Rao announced the commencement of Warangal Health City later this year.
