Telangana State Medical Council Elections: HRDA Members Win All 13 Seats

Hyderabad: In a major victory for the Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), all thirteen seats open for the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) elections have been won by 13 members of the association.

Although a total number of 17,090 votes were cast in the election, the returning officer had rejected 3,311 votes due to various reasons. After eliminating those 3,311 votes the remaining 13,779 votes were counted.

Among the members of the association, who participated in the election, Dr. Prathibha got the maximum number of 7007 votes. After Dr. Prathibha, the maximum number of 6735 votes was given to Dr. Mahesh Kumar.

Besides, Dr. Raj Kumar got 6593 votes, Dr. Srinivas G received 6454 votes, Dr. Kiran Kumar received 6434 votes, Dr. Anand received 6192 votes, Dr. Yeggana got 6086 votes, Dr. Ravi Kumar received 6085 votes, Dr. Naresh Kumar got 6091 votes, Dr. Srikanth received 5974 votes, Dr. Vishnu received 5844 votes, Dr. Imran received 5695 votes. As per the rules, as per the 13 seats, for which the TSMC elections were conducted, the State Government nominates members for 12 seats.

Also Read: Current Telangana State Medical Council is legally untenable, hold fresh elections for new council: HC

Congratulating the HRDA panel for their resounding victory in the elections, Telangana Junior Doctors' Association (T-JUDA) mentioned in an official statement, "HRDA comprises ex-JUDA members who, driven by their unwavering commitment to the well-being of the doctor community, established HRDA. This organization became the platform to amplify their voices and fight persistently on various fronts, addressing issues ranging from exams to PG counseling and fighting against quackery in the state."

"The passion and dedication displayed by HRDA members have been consistent, with their advisory role in the JUDA panel being a testament to their commitment. When the opportunity to contest in the TSMC election arose, HRDA members, who had been steadfastly combating challenges, decided to further strengthen their voice against quackery," added the association.

Apart from T-JUDA, Telangana Senior Resident Doctors Association (T-SRDA) have also congratulated the members of HRDA for their victory in the elections. 

"Most notably, every SRDA and JUDA member voted HRDA for their trust, accessibility, and the profound advisory role HRDA members have played. We believe in HRDA's capability to address and advise on various issues affecting the doctor community. T SRDA congratulates the entire HRDA panel and anticipates nothing less than exemplary efforts towards the collective welfare of the doctors society," mentioned the association while issuing a Press Note.

Meanwhile, following the victory of its members, HRDA also issued a statement and mentioned, "On behalf of HRDA, the team HRDA would like to thank all the HRDA members, seniors and doctors of IMA, JUDA, TGDA,TTGDA,THANA, TPHDA for supporting HRDA which made a landslide victory in TSMC history. Your overwhelming support not only helped us to win this election but also increased the responsibility to slove major issues related to medical fraternity."

"HRDA is very clear on it's vision. It will try to fulfill the assurances given in it's manifesto during TSMC election. We are always ready to take senior's support and their valuable suggestions in solving the issues, HRDA wish to work together with all of you for the betterment of medical fraternity," the association further mentioned.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that while considering a plea by the Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), the Telangana High Court bench had asked the State Government to conduct the polls for the medical council without increasing the number of the state-sponsored nominees.

The association had raised the issue of not conducting Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) elections since 2007. Apart from this, the association had also pointed out the illegal continuation of nominated members for more than a decade as interim ad-hoc body and reduction of elected members from 13 to 5.

While the High Court order had been challenged before the Supreme Court, the Apex court refused to stay the order of the HC and directed the Telangana Government to conduct the elections of the Council within 3 months for 13 members.

A total number of 108 doctors were contesting in the elections. They are fighting for strict measures against quackery, requirement of emergency departments, and doing away with NMC among others.

Also Read: Controversy in TSMC Election: Medical College, Hospital Managements Alleged to have Collected Blank Ballots