Telangana Human Rights Commission Flags Poor Amenities in 5 Government Hospitals

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of alarming reports highlighting severe neglect of basic amenities in government hospitals in Hyderabad during the peak of summer, raising concerns over potential violations of fundamental human rights.

According to the news reports, the Commission pointed out the severe lack of basic amenities, such as fans, coolers, and drinking water, in five major government hospitals in Hyderabad. These basic necessities, especially critical during the ongoing intense summer heat, have reportedly been neglected, putting the well-being of patients and their attendants at significant risk. The hospitals' names include Osmania General Hospital at Afzalgunj, Gandhi in Secunderabad, and Chest, MNJ Cancer, and Niloufer Hospitals in Nampally.

As per the recent media reports by the Deccan Chronicle, this neglect, amid peak summer, may violate the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Commission has directed the Medical Superintendents of the five hospitals and the Secretary, Health Department, to submit detailed reports on the existing conditions and improvement measures by June 4, 2025.

The situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable and responsive public health planning, particularly in a state frequently affected by extreme weather conditions. 

Also Read: Heatwave Alert: Telangana issues heatwave advisory for public

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that amid an intensifying heat wave alert in Telangana, the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare has advised the public to take measures to protect themselves against the rising temperatures in the state. A crucial advisory aimed at safeguarding the populace against the scorching temperatures has been issued by the Department of Public Health and Family Welfare. The Health Director has advised people to stay hydrated, covered, indoors as much as possible, and alert. It has been noted that infants and young children, people working outdoors, pregnant women, people who have a mental illness, physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, are more vulnerable to heat waves.