Hyderabad Doctors Protest Against Government Order
Statewide Black Badge Demonstration
In Hyderabad, government doctors from various medical associations organized a black badge protest at all government medical colleges on Wednesday. They are demanding the immediate retraction of a recent government order that nominated four ex officio members to the Telangana Medical Council. The doctors announced plans to continue their peaceful protest starting January 7. This demonstration is in response to the recently issued Government Order 229.
Patient Care Remains Unaffected
The protesting doctors emphasized that their actions will not compromise patient care, as they will maintain their regular duties while wearing black badges to signify their discontent. The medical community in Telangana has voiced significant anger and disappointment regarding the inclusion of non-doctors and bureaucrats in the council, arguing that this undermines the council’s autonomy and independence, contradicting established judicial principles that protect the functioning of autonomous professional regulatory bodies.
Organizational Support for the Protest
The Medical Joint Action Committee (JAC), which encompasses several key organizations such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA)–Telangana State, Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association, Telangana Junior Doctors Association, Telangana Senior Residents Doctors Association, and Telangana Teaching Government Doctors Association, has called for the protest. The Medical JAC characterized the demonstration as symbolic, reflecting the medical fraternity’s profound concerns while reaffirming their commitment to patient welfare and public health. They warned that if the state government does not respond favorably, the protests may escalate in a phased, democratic manner, without disrupting patient services.
Background on Government Order 229
According to Medic Helpline, the government order that prompted the protests expanded the Telangana Medical Council by adding four ex officio members, increasing its total membership from 25 to 29. Issued by the Telangana Health Department on December 22, 2025, G.O. 229 appointed the following officials as ‘ex officio’ members of the council:
1) Commissioner of Health & Family Welfare, Telangana
2) Director of Medical Education, Telangana
3) Director of Health and Family Welfare, Telangana
4) Commissioner, Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Panshad, Telangana
5) Vice-Chancellor, Dr. KNR University of Health Sciences, Telangana
6) Chief Executive Officer, Arogyasn Health Care Trust, Telangana
7) Special/Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary/Deputy Secretary to Government, HM&FW Department dealing with the subject
8) Director NIMS, Hyderabad
Previously, the council consisted of 25 members, including 13 elected representatives, six government nominees, two members from KNRUHS, and four ex-officio government officials.
Criticism of Increased Bureaucratic Representation
The inclusion of four additional ex officio members has faced significant backlash from various medical organizations. Groups such as the Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), the Telangana branch of the Indian Medical Association, Telangana Senior Resident Doctors Association (TSRDA), Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA), Telangana Teaching Doctors Association (TTGDA), All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association (AIDSA), and Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association have all expressed their opposition.
Critics argue that the majority of the newly appointed members are non-doctors and bureaucrats, questioning the necessity of increasing non-medical representation in the council that oversees medical education and professional standards.
Awareness Initiatives by Medical Associations
To raise awareness about the implications of the government order, the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) conducted an orientation session for medical students in government colleges across the state. These outreach programs aimed to inform MBBS and PG doctors about the reasons behind the medical fraternity’s opposition to the Government Order.
Call to Action from the Medical JAC
In a statement to Telangana Today, the Medical JAC clarified, “This movement is not against the State government but in defense of autonomous medical regulation, ethical governance, and the long-term interests of public health in Telangana.” They urged the state government to promptly withdraw GO 229 and uphold the High Court’s emphasis on maintaining a decisive majority of elected members, thereby safeguarding the autonomy of medical practice and patient safety.