Telangana health crisis deepens amid protests from doctors, hospitals and health workers

Telangana’s health sector is facing a deepening crisis as junior doctors, private hospitals, ASHA and ANM workers mount protests over delayed stipends, blocked Aarogyasri services and unpaid salaries. With over 400 hospitals suspending services, healthcare delivery has come under severe strain

Hyderabad: The State government’s problems in the health sector continue to grow, as it finds itself cornered on multiple fronts by caregivers from different health departments. After private hospitals completely stopped health care services for Aarogyasri patients, junior doctors on Wednesday threatened to launch a protest over pending stipend arrears.

The Telangana Junior Doctors Association (TJUDA), representing MBBS and BDS medicos, expressed serious concern over continued delays in the disbursement of stipends.

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TJUDA said that despite the government’s promise of timely payments, every month students have to follow up repeatedly at various levels for stipends. “Many of us are struggling to meet basic needs like food, transportation and rent,” the association said.

Meanwhile, over 400 private hospitals across Telangana have stopped healthcare services for patients covered under Aarogyasri and government employees under the Employee Health Scheme (EHS). The protest is expected to continue, as the health department has not yet held talks with hospital managements.

In the last fortnight, the State health department also witnessed demonstrations by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and contract healthcare workers over non-payment or delayed release of their salaries.