High drama at Koti as govt doctors stage sit-in at DME office, warn of state-wide agitation

Government doctors in Hyderabad staged a sit-in protest at the Directorate of Medical Education office demanding transparency in transfers. Led by the Telangana Government Doctors Association, the doctors accused senior health officials of avoiding dialogue and warned of a state-wide agitation if their demands are not met.

Hyderabad: A tense situation prevailed at the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) office, Koti on Thursday when a large number of government doctors participated in a sit-in protest over the issue of transfers within the health department.

Led by members of Telangana Government Doctors Association (TGGDA), the protesting doctors entered the DME’s office chambers to submit a memorandum on the issue of transfers. In the absence of DME, Dr K Shiv Ram Prasad, the senior leadership of TGGDA alleged that top health officials were deliberately avoiding them.

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The doctor’s body made it clear that a massive state-wide agitation will be launched if their genuine demands are not met by the State government.

The sit-in protest by doctors at DME office is related to growing anger over delays in the transfers in the health and medical department. The senior office bearers of TGGDA made a symbolic gesture of submitting their memorandum to the empty chair of DME, in the absence of the senior health official.

Later, while interacting with media persons, TGGDA president Dr B Narahari, senior leader Dr. B Ramesh and other senior doctors said that the medical fraternity is under extreme stress due to career uncertainty.

The association alleged that health authorities were attempting to change the definitions of ‘Focal’, which are sought-after urban postings, and ‘non-focal’ which are rural/peripheral postings.

“Focal and non-focal issues are like a hornet’s nest in our department and they should not be disturbed. Changing these definitions will cause widespread suspicion, favouritism, and a deep sense of discrimination among doctors across Telangana,” TGGDA said.

The TGGDA demanded that the state government should stick strictly to the provisions laid down in G.O.Ms.No.38. The doctors association demanded that a minimum two-year eligibility period must be strictly enforced before any request transfers are approved.

TGGDA demanded that the interests of rural doctors must be protected and that those who tirelessly serve in rural pockets should not face arbitrary, mandatory shifting. The association urged the State government to conduct face-to-face counseling to maintain complete transparency.