Medics’ triumph in Telangana polls prompts calls for a doctor-led health department

Of the 15 medical MLAs, 11 are with the Congress, three with the BRS and one with the BJP. (Image is for representational purposes only)

After 15 doctors won the recently concluded Telangana assembly elections, various medical associations are demanding that the new government consider a doctor for the post of health minister.

Among the 15 elected representatives are 11 for the Indian National Congress (INC), three for the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and one for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Telangana Young Doctors Association (T-JUDA) created a slogan, Marpu Ravali, Doctor Health Minister Ga Kavali (Change in government, doctor should become health minister). President T-JUDA Dr. Kaushik Kumar Pinjarla highlighted the in-depth knowledge of doctors in healthcare. Their extensive training and practical experience have given them a clear insight into the complexities of patient care, hospital management and the complex dynamics of the medical profession.

Dr. Kaushik exuded confidence that the doctor’s first-hand experience will help the new government formulate policies that prioritize patient well-being and increase efficiency in healthcare. The association started using the hashtag #doctorashealthminister on social media platforms.

Dr. Rajeev Naik, former state president of Telangana Senior Resident Doctors Association (TSRDA) emphasized the importance of health, noting that citizens have elected these doctors as their representatives and urged the government to appoint a doctor as the health minister.

In parallel with these demands, the Union Government is considering setting up the Indian Medical Service (IMS) on the lines of the All India Services like IAS and IPS.

The aim of this move is to ensure that medical facilities have doctors who facilitate the smooth functioning of the department. Dr. Kiran Madala, president of the IMA-Telangana state scientific committee, wondered why the new government with 15 doctors now elected as MLAs should not appoint the most qualified among them as health minister.

Dr. Kiran Madala further highlighted the benefits of such an appointment, stressing that the appointed individual will be more accessible to the medical community, thus bridging the gap between the medical professionals and the common man.

Published – 6 Dec 2023 06:00 IST