Telangana Govt orders Unani healthcare upgrade, faster infrastructure development

Hyderabad: In a bid to strengthen Unani healthcare services in Telangana, Health Minister Shri Damodar Raja Narasimha has directed officials to accelerate infrastructure development, fill vacant posts, improve availability of medicines and modernise key government Unani institutions.

The directions were issued during a comprehensive review of the Ayush Department and the functioning of Government Nizamia Tibbi College and Government Nizamia General Hospital.

Reviewing the progress of healthcare services and expansion plans, the Minister described the two institutions as among the state's premier centres for Unani medicine and reaffirmed the government's commitment to their development and modernisation, reports TOI. 

To improve patient care infrastructure, the Minister instructed the Telangana Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TGMSIDC) to speed up construction of the new outpatient (OP) block and pharmacy building at Government Nizamia General Hospital and complete the works by January next year.

He also directed officials to immediately prepare proposals for filling vacant posts of doctors, teaching faculty and other staff to ensure that healthcare delivery and academic activities continue without disruption. He further stressed the need to maintain uninterrupted availability of medicines, medical equipment and other essential infrastructure across government Unani hospitals and dispensaries. 

As part of measures to strengthen the supply of medicines within the public healthcare system, Raja Narasimha asked officials to expedite the proposal for establishing a state-level Unani drug manufacturing unit.

During the review, Ayush Director Srikanth Babu informed the Minister that the shortage of doctors had eased following the recruitment of 138 Assistant Professors in Ayush institutions last year, strengthening academic and clinical services.

Officials also apprised the Minister that Rs 52.5 crore has been sanctioned for restoration of the heritage buildings at Government Nizamia Tibbi College and Nizamia General Hospital, along with construction of new facilities. The infrastructure works are currently underway.

The Minister further directed officials to resolve issues related to the government Unani dispensary building at Moula Ali to ensure uninterrupted medical services.