Hyderabad: The Telangana government has come under sharp criticism from the medical community following allegations that it has attempted a backdoor takeover of the Telangana Medical Council during an ongoing anti quackery crackdown. Doctors’ associations say the move undermines the autonomy of the statutory body responsible for regulating medical practice in the state.
The controversy centers around Government Order G.O.Ms.No.229, issued by the state health department on December 22, which expanded the strength of the Telangana Medical Council from 25 to 29 members. The order added four ex officio members, most of whom are senior bureaucrats and non medical professionals. Doctors argue that this change has effectively reduced elected medical professionals to a minority within the council.
Medical organizations have stated that the expansion violates the Telangana Medical Practitioners Registration Act, 1968, which mandates that the medical council should primarily be composed of registered medical practitioners. According to doctors, inserting bureaucrats into the council alters its democratic structure and compromises professional self regulation.
The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association described the move as a deliberate attempt to control the council without following due legislative process. The association warned that such interference could weaken the council’s ability to act independently in matters related to ethics, discipline, and professional standards.
The Indian Medical Association Telangana branch, Telangana State Resident Doctors Association, and Telangana Junior Doctors Association have also opposed the order. These groups expressed concern that bureaucratic dominance over the council could affect decision making that directly impacts patient safety and clinical standards.
In a joint response, doctors’ groups demanded the immediate withdrawal of G.O.Ms.No.229. They stated that the council must remain a body led by medical professionals rather than administrators with no clinical background.
The timing of the government order has further intensified anger among doctors as it follows a strong anti quackery campaign led by the Telangana Medical Council. Earlier in 2025, the council suspended five doctors as part of efforts to curb unethical practices and unqualified practitioners.
Medical associations fear that reducing the influence of doctors within the council could dilute enforcement actions against quacks and illegal medical practice. They argue that professional oversight is essential to effectively identify and act against violations that threaten public health.
The Telangana government has not issued a detailed response addressing the objections raised by doctors. As tensions continue to rise, the dispute has brought renewed attention to the balance between administrative oversight and professional autonomy in medical regulation.
(Rh/ARC)
