The Telangana state health department has taken a significant step to support women in medicine. They have officially waived the ₹15,000 readmission fee for postgraduate medical students. This applies specifically to those rejoining their colleges after taking maternity leave.
Key Directives from KNRUHS
Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) has issued clear instructions to college principals. Women students must be allowed to use any eligible leave balance that was unused when they rejoin. The university released a circular to formalize this policy.
Eligibility and Course Extension
All women postgraduate medical students qualify for maternity leave under current government orders. KNRUHS confirmed this entitlement. Importantly, the course duration will be extended by the exact period of maternity leave taken. This ensures students do not lose academic time.
Background and Reporting
This decision came after a report highlighted the issue. Titled 'Telangana: Rejoining fee levied on medicos after maternity break kicks up storm', it was published on December 15, 2025. The report sparked discussions and led to this policy change.
Procedure for Leave Approval
Once a maternity leave request is submitted, the college principal must inform KNRUHS. The university will then formally sanction the leave. Principals and deans hold responsibility for timely reporting, documentation, and communication with the university.
Reactions from the Medical Community
The Telangana senior resident doctors association and women doctors welcomed the move. They had long opposed the 11-year-old rule requiring the fee. They call the waiver a major relief for aspiring female medicos.
Specific Leave Durations
The circular outlines different procedures based on leave length. Students taking leave up to 90 days can rejoin immediately with principal or dean approval. However, those with leave exceeding 91 days must submit a formal readmission application. They will also need to pay the ₹15,000 readmission fee, as the waiver applies only to standard maternity leave scenarios.
This policy update aims to reduce financial and administrative burdens. It supports women balancing medical education with motherhood, fostering a more inclusive environment in Telangana's healthcare sector.
