Telangana Doctors Demand Withdrawal of Government Order 229
Concerns Over Medical Council’s Independence
Doctors in Telangana have called for the retraction of Government Order (GO) 229 to maintain the doctor-led structure of the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC). Despite these demands, sources from the Health Department indicate that the order, which was issued on December 22, 2025, is likely to remain in effect.
Details of Government Order 229
GO 229 appoints four government officers as ex officio members of the TGMC. Currently, the TGMC consists of 25 members, including 13 elected representatives, six government nominees, two representatives from Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), and four ex officio government officials. With the implementation of GO 229, the number of state government-nominated ex officio members has increased to eight.
Protests and Concerns from Young Doctors
The expansion of the council has raised significant concerns among young doctors regarding its independence. Many believe that this change undermines the influence of elected representatives. Protests have erupted over the past week, with a senior TGMC member emphasizing that all council members should be qualified doctors, pointing out that the law only allows four ex officio members and one officer.
Medical students and young practitioners have expressed particular anxiety, noting that they would face the greatest impact from these changes. Many MBBS graduates from district medical colleges often practice independently if they are unable to secure postgraduate positions. They stress the importance of stringent regulation to protect qualified practitioners.
Statewide Protests and Collective Action
On January 7, doctors across various medical associations in Telangana participated in a statewide black badge protest at government medical colleges, organized by the Medical Joint Action Committee (JAC). This coalition includes 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. The protesting doctors have pledged to continue their peaceful demonstrations.
Concerns Over Non-Doctor Inclusion in the Council
The medical community in Telangana has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the inclusion of non-doctors and bureaucrats in the TGMC, arguing that it jeopardizes the council’s autonomy and representation. They assert that this move contravenes established legal principles intended to uphold the integrity of professional regulatory bodies.
A senior TGMC member reiterated that the law permits only four ex officio members and one officer, stating, “There is no provision to appoint four additional ex officio members. Additionally, all council members must be doctors, yet the officers nominated under the new order do not possess medical qualifications.”
Impact on Qualified Practitioners
Doctors have voiced concerns regarding the prevalence of unqualified practitioners in Telangana, noting that nearly 50,000 quacks operate, particularly in rural regions. They emphasize that the livelihoods of qualified doctors depend on rigorous regulation. Dr. Srinath, President of the Telangana Senior Residents Doctors’ Association, remarked, “If quackery is not addressed, it affects all qualified doctors. In the future, we will also be part of the council, so everyone is concerned.”