The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA) has thrown its weight behind the Telangana state government's landmark decision to reserve 85% of postgraduate (PG) medical seats under the management quota for local students. Announced on Friday, this endorsement comes with a caution that certain private medical college groups might be attempting to weaken this progressive initiative through ongoing legal battles.
A Progressive Reform for Telangana's Healthcare
Senior representative of the HRDA, D Bandari Rajkumar, lauded the quota as a "progressive and much-needed reform". He emphasized that this policy is strategically designed to bolster Telangana's specialist doctor workforce. The move is seen as a direct reflection of the government's commitment to supporting its own medical graduates and tackling the persistent shortage of specialists in district and government hospitals across the state.
Rajkumar pointed out that local postgraduate trainees are statistically more likely to continue serving within Telangana after completing their education. This is particularly crucial for filling positions in essential departments such as:
- Anaesthesia
- General Medicine
- Paediatrics
- Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Emergency Care
Challenges from Private Institutions
The association, however, expressed significant concern regarding potential obstacles. It believes that some private medical institutions, which have historically profited from admitting non-local students under higher fee structures and through NRI quota conversions, may be indirectly supporting efforts to dilute the 85% reservation policy.
HRDA stressed that PG seats must be treated as public health assets, not commercial commodities. Any attempt to obstruct a policy crafted for the public interest would severely undermine equitable healthcare development and the state's long-term medical capacity, the association warned.
A Call for Robust Legal Defence
In light of these concerns, the Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association has made a strong appeal to the state's standing counsel and relevant authorities. It has urged them to mount a robust legal defence to protect the policy from being overturned. The HRDA reiterated its firm stance against private lobbying and the commercialisation of medical education, asserting that it will actively oppose any such efforts.
The association concluded by emphasizing that the 85% local quota is vital for the future of Telangana's healthcare system, ensuring that homegrown talent is nurtured and retained to serve the people of the state.
