HRDA oppose attempts by private medical colleges to target convenor quota

The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association of Telangana has opposed attempts by private medical colleges to alter the Convener Quota system. It warned that a uniform fee structure would hurt meritorious and economically weaker students and urged the State Government to protect affordable medical seats

Hyderabad: The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), Telangana, has voiced strong opposition against what it terms ‘calculated efforts’ by private medical college managements to dismantle the long-standing Convener Quota system.

In a statement here on Monday, the HRDA warned that private associations are pushing for a ‘uniform fee structure’ under the guise of reform. The association argues this is a strategic move to eliminate affordable Category-A seats, effectively turning medical education into a privilege exclusive to the wealthy.

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The Convener Quota has historically provided a lifeline for meritorious students from middle-class and rural backgrounds. “Any move toward a uniform fee structure will impose an unbearable financial burden on aspiring students,” the association stated.

The shift would exclude economically disadvantaged students from the profession, accelerate the commercialization of medical education and damage the diversity and social representation of the future public healthcare workforce, HRDA said.

The HRDA has urged the State Government to act decisively by protecting the Convenor Quota as a non-negotiable safeguard for merit. It also urged the State government to resist pressure from private medical college managements seeking to maximize commercial gains at the expense of social justice.