Hyderabad: Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha directed officials to implement a Telangana hospitals upgrade plan in line with Indian Public Health Standards.
He chaired a review meeting at the Secretariat on Friday to strengthen secondary healthcare systems. The meeting followed the restructuring of Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad into the Directorate of Secondary Health Care.
Senior officials attended the meeting and discussed aligning hospitals with IPHS norms. They focused on staffing, infrastructure, diagnostics, equipment, and drug supply.
The Minister said the Telangana hospitals upgrade aimed to ensure treatment closer to patients’ homes. He stressed the need to strengthen Community Health Centres, Area Hospitals, and District Hospitals.
Damodar directed officials to strictly follow IPHS norms during staff redeployment. He also reviewed the redistribution of posts from hospitals upgraded into teaching institutions.
Focus on Telangana hospitals upgrade and staffing
Officials said around 30 hospitals were converted into teaching hospitals linked to medical colleges. As a result, authorities planned to reallocate sanctioned posts to other facilities.
The Minister noted that 12,649 posts had been filled in the past two years. He emphasised efficient use of doctors and staff across hospitals.
Damodar also ordered strict attendance monitoring and mandatory weekly field visits. He warned that action would be taken against absentee staff.
Further, he directed that patients discharged from tertiary hospitals such as NIMS, Osmania General Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, and MGM Hospital should receive follow-up care at nearby centres.
This measure aimed to reduce travel costs and improve trust in public healthcare. Experts also stressed the need for complete healthcare teams and proper infrastructure.
The Minister reviewed inspection reports on government and private hospitals. He instructed officials to act on recommendations and improve basic facilities.
He also called for strict action against illegal gender determination tests. Additionally, he directed officials to ensure adequate summer facilities such as water, cooling systems, and fire safety.