Hyderabad: Former health minister Harish Rao on Tuesday accused the Congress-led Telangana government of allowing Basti Dawakhanas to deteriorate. He alleged that under CM Revanth Reddy’s leadership, the once-effective urban clinics have lost their purpose.
During his visit to the Basti Dawakhana in Old Lingampally, Serilingampally constituency, Rao spoke to local residents. He recalled that the clinics were introduced under KCR to ensure free, doorstep healthcare for low-income communities.
Congress failed to maintain KCR’s healthcare model
According to Rao, the BRS government had established 450 Basti Dawakhanas across Telangana, including 350 in Hyderabad. “We provided 110 free medicines and 130 diagnostic tests. Patients even received reports directly on their phones,” he noted.
However, he claimed the current administration has neglected the system. “Staff have gone unpaid for six months. How can they deliver services under such stress?” he questioned.
Medicine and diagnostic gaps widen
Rao stated that only 60–70 medicines are currently in stock, while 40 essential drugs remain unavailable. Moreover, he said patients are frequently asked to purchase medicines from outside. “Even routine tests like Vitamin B12 and D3 are not happening due to lack of reagents,” he added.
He further criticised the Congress for failing to monitor salary disbursals or manage medical supplies effectively. Referring to a recent incident in the CM’s own constituency, Rao said a person died because a 108 ambulance didn’t arrive on time.
Revanth focuses more on liquor tenders, says Rao
Blaming the CM for misplaced priorities, Rao said, “The government is pushing liquor shop tenders from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh, while neglecting public health systems.” He alleged that revenue collection has taken precedence over essential services.
BRS urges voters to reject Congress in bypoll
Rao appealed to voters in Jubilee Hills to defeat the Congress in the upcoming bypoll. “If your friends or family live in Jubilee Hills, explain to them what’s missing—no medicines, no doctors, no proper testing. A Congress defeat will hold them accountable,” he said.
He ended by reaffirming the BRS’s commitment to restoring healthcare access and standing with affected citizens.
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