Telangana Grapples with Public Health Crisis as Quackery and Medicine Misuse Rise

Telangana is facing a severe public health crisis as quackery continues to thrive across the state. Estimates from the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) indicate that there are approximately 50,000 to 53,000 unqualified practitioners providing allopathic treatments without possessing an MBBS degree. Hyderabad alone accounts for over 10,000 such illegal practitioners, further exacerbating the problem.

Despite the special authority granted under the Clinical Establishment Act to the District Health and Medical Officers (DM&HO) to take action, their efforts have been minimal. Meanwhile, organizations like the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) and TS Drug Control Administration (TSDCA) have been more active, seizing significant stocks of illegally sold antibiotics, steroids, and painkillers, and pursuing legal action against offenders.

The Role of Quackery in Medication Misuse

Unqualified practitioners are believed to be a major factor behind the widespread misuse of antibiotics, steroids, and painkillers in Telangana. According to Dr. G Srinivas, Vice-Chairman of TSMC, many patients from rural areas develop antibiotic resistance due to the irrational and unscientific prescribing practices of quacks. This resistance has led to an influx of patients at major hospitals like NIMS, OGH, and Gandhi Hospital, requiring treatment with high-end antibiotics.

The Root Causes of the Problem

One of the primary reasons for the reliance on unqualified practitioners is the lack of access to qualified doctors in rural areas. Telangana has about 5,500 sub-centres, each catering to 2–3 villages. However, most of these sub-centres lack medical officers, nursing staff, pharmacists, and essential infrastructure, leaving a significant gap in primary healthcare.

The shortage extends to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), where there is a demand for a 30% increase in PHCs and a 50% increase in CHCs, along with adequate staffing to provide 24/7 care.

The Way Forward

Experts believe that improving access to qualified medical professionals is key to combating quackery. Dr. Srinivas dismisses the notion that doctors are unwilling to work in rural areas, citing a recent recruitment drive for 600 medical officer positions at PHCs, where each post attracted at least 10 applicants.

To address this issue, it is suggested that the government adopt a model similar to Kerala’s, where primary healthcare facilities are staffed round-the-clock by qualified health professionals. By increasing the number of sub-centres, PHCs, and CHCs, and ensuring they are equipped with the necessary manpower and infrastructure, Telangana can reduce its reliance on unqualified practitioners and improve public health outcomes.

Key Points of Concern

• Over 50,000 unqualified practitioners are estimated to operate in Telangana, with more than 10,000 in Hyderabad.

• Widespread misuse of antibiotics, steroids, and painkillers by quacks is a growing concern.

• A severe shortage of qualified healthcare workers at sub-centres and PHCs contributes to the problem.

• Increasing the number of healthcare facilities and ensuring their proper staffing are critical steps toward resolving the crisis.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)