Hyderabad: The Telangana government is preparing a major reform of the referral system in government hospitals. The goal is to stop arbitrary patient redirection and ensure timely care for low-income individuals.
Mandatory admission before referral
Health officials are creating strict rules to stop hospitals from turning away patients due to a lack of equipment or specialists. Every hospital must admit patients immediately, regardless of their condition. Doctors may refer them to another facility only after giving stabilising treatment and recording the reason for the transfer.
The Health Department wants to end verbal referrals and unchecked turnaways. These practices are still common in many state hospitals. In several cases, hospitals have cited reasons like “no ventilator” or “serious case” to avoid admitting patients. This has led to delays and, in some cases, preventable deaths.
Under the new system, doctors must explain every referral in writing. They also need to confirm that the referred hospital has the required facilities. Hospitals must alert the receiving facility in advance so that beds and doctors are ready when the patient arrives.
All government hospitals will now offer primary care first. Only after this step can they decide on referrals. Even if advanced care is needed, doctors must follow a formal and documented process.
Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha reviewed the issue with top officials on Wednesday. He directed the formation of a special committee to study referral models from other states and frame new guidelines for Telangana.
Officials expect the reform to curb misuse of discretion by lower hospital staff. They believe the plan will ensure continuous, fair, and accountable healthcare for all patients.