Telangana creates history with 1,061 assistant professor appointments in teaching hospitals

HYDERABAD: Telangana Health Minister Harish Rao on Monday welcomed newly recruited assistant professors would will serve in government institutions with the noble purpose of providing healthcare services to the public.

Speaking at the event, Minister Harish Rao extended his gratitude to the assistant professors' parents and teachers for their vital contributions in shaping their lives and teaching them to save lives.

Minister Harish Rao lauded Chief Minister KCR's efforts to develop various medical colleges and hospitals to boost healthcare in the state. This forward-thinking approach has permitted the deployment of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in these facilities, he said.

As part of this new initiative, a record-breaking 1,061 doctors were simultaneously appointed in 34 specialized fields to serve in teaching hospitals. The Minister hailed this accomplishment as a breakthrough moment in medical education, made possible in large part by Chief Minister KCR's unwavering support.

He congratulated the Health department for completing the transparent recruitment process and issuing appointment orders within a remarkable timeframe of just five months.

Harish Rao also highlighted the recent appointment of 969 Civil Assistant Surgeons at the same platform, further emphasizing the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare in the state. Furthermore, he announced the upcoming online recruitment process for 5,204 staff nurse posts through computer-based tests.

The minister also honoured Chief Minister KCR for fulfilling a long-held aspiration by regularising 1,331 contract staff in seven departments of the Health sector. This substantial advancement includes roles such as Multi-Purpose Health Assistants, Lab Technicians, Paramedical Ophthalmic Officers, and Ayush Department Doctors. He said, that the measure demonstrates the government's commitment to provide stability and support to its healthcare workforce.

Minister Harish Rao emphasised the government's unwavering efforts, revealing that 22,263 vacancies had been filled in the health department alone over the last nine years, with an ongoing process to fill another 9,222 posts due to end within the next two to three months. Since Telangana's establishment, the government has begun the recruiting process for a total of 31,484 positions, demonstrating its commitment to offering adequate work prospects.

In response to criticism regarding job creation, Harish Rao asserted that those who claim jobs were not being generated simply cannot recognize the government's efforts.

He emphasised the significance of doctors in healing patients, stating that while medicines cure diseases, doctors possess the ability to restore patients to full health. The minister emphasized the importance of affectionate relation with the patients,asserting that a kind word and encouragement can alleviate half of their ailments.

The minister emphasized the immense investment the government makes in medical education, urging them to give back to society through their services. He called for greater respect for the medical profession, comparing doctors to soldiers who protect the country and farmers who sustain its food production. Minister Harish Rao underscored the transformative impact of accessible and affordable healthcare, stating that expensive treatments no longer burden the poor.

Highlighting the significant progress in organ transplantation, Harish Rao hailed Telangana for providing free organ transplants to the poor, with Hyderabad ranking highest in the country in terms of kidney transplants. He attributed this achievement to the collective hard work of all health department staff, along with Chief Minister KCR's persistent efforts.

The minister announced the allocation of doctors to remote medical colleges, such as Mahabubabad, Nagar Kurnool, and Jayashankar Bhupalapalli, aiming to enhance healthcare services in these areas. He expressed his aspiration for Telangana to secure the first position in the NITI Aayog ranking and urged everyone to work together towards achieving this goal.

He also highlighted the government's successful initiatives in healthcare, such as Mission Bhagiratha, Palle Pragathi, and Pattana Pragathi, which have significantly reduced seasonal diseases. He highlighted the positive impact of Basti Dawakhanas and Palle Dawakhanas in relieving the burden on major hospitals, enabling them to focus more on tertiary services.

Drawing attention to the government's commitment to healthcare expenditure, Minister Rao revealed an unprecedented budget allocation of Rs. 12,364 crores. He emphasized that the per capita expenditure on medical treatment in Telangana stands at Rs. 3,532, ranking third in the country. Minister proudly mentioned the smooth implementation of online processes, ensuring the availability of medicines and equipment.

Rao further discussed the extensive range of diagnostic tests provided by T Diagnostic, which currently stands at 57 types and is set to increase to 134 within the next month. Previous governments failed to establish sufficient medical colleges, which compelled Telangana students to study abroad.

In contrast, the current government, under Chief Minister KCR's leadership, has taken remarkable strides in medical education. Last year, eight medical colleges were inaugurated, and an additional nine are set to commence operations this year. Minister Harish Rao proudly announced that eight medical colleges have already received approval from the National Medical Commission.

Comparing the track record of the AP to the nine years since Telangana's formation, Minister Rao highlighted the establishment of 20 government medical colleges by the current government, surpassing the mere three medical colleges established previously. He credited the newly established medical colleges for providing the opportunity to the assistant professors present at the ceremony.

Harish Rao proudly shared the growth in medical education, stating that while Telangana had only 20 medical colleges (public and private) before 2014, the number has now increased to 55. He emphasized that the establishment of 35 medical colleges within nine years provides a compelling response to those questioning the state's progress. The number of MBBS seats has also witnessed a substantial rise, from 2,950 in 2014 to 8,340 presently, representing a 71% increase nationwide. Telangana's increase stands at an impressive 124%. Similarly, in terms of PG seats, Telangana's increase of 111% surpasses the national growth rate of 68%.

Minister Harish Rao highlighted the recent amendment reserving 85% of B-category seats for Telangana students, enabling 1,071 additional MBBS seats in private medical colleges to be allocated to local students.

The minister applauded the government's decisions for facilitating medical education within the state, preventing the need for students to pursue studies abroad, far away from their families. He emphasized the government's dual focus on providing quality medical education while ensuring access to healthcare services at the district level.

Rao revealed the government's ambitious plans to enhance healthcare infrastructure, including the forthcoming Warangal Health City with 2,000 beds and an investment of 1,100 crores. Additionally, the expansion of Tims hospitals with 1,000 beds, Nims with 2,000 beds, MNJ Hospital with 300 to 750 beds, and the establishment of super specialty MCH in Nims would result in a total of 10,000 super specialty beds. Minister Harish Rao announced the commencement of Warangal Health City later this year.

Harish Rao proudly stated that the number of beds in government hospitals has increased from 17,150 in 2014 to 33,314, with a target of reaching 50,000 beds in new hospitals. He highlighted the significant rise in the number of outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) services provided by government hospitals. In 2021, OP services reached 4.23 crores, slightly lower than the previous year's 4.83 crores. However, IP services increased from 14.16 lakhs to 16.97 lakhs. Minister Rao also highlighted the notable increase in the number of major and minor surgeries, which rose from 2.57 lakhs in 2021 to 3.04 lakhs in 2022.

Minister Harish Rao expressed satisfaction with the government's efforts in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. He stated that the maternal mortality rate has been reduced from 92 to 43, while the infant mortality rate has decreased from 39 to 29. Minister Rao attributed these positive outcomes to initiatives such as KCR kits, Amma Odi vehicles, and the provision of four ANC checkups.

Highlighting the government's commitment to safe institutional deliveries, the Minister proudly shared a report from the center stating that Telangana is the only state achieving 100 percent safe institutional deliveries. While the national average for deliveries conducted by medical professionals is 89%, Telangana has achieved a commendable 100% rate.

Minister Harish Rao acknowledged the vital role of assistant professors in teaching, research, and treatment. He assured them of the government's support in providing the necessary facilities for research, aiming to foster groundbreaking research within the state.

The Minister emphasized the need for Telangana to lead the country in medical research, highlighting the state's top ranking in the field of Health, while contrasting it with Uttar Pradesh's lowest rank.

Concluding his speech, Minister Harish Rao attributed the development and progress of Telangana to the formation of the state and Chief Minister KCR's visionary leadership. He urged everyone present to work collectively towards the state's advancement and the betterment of healthcare services.