Telangana doctors up and arms against Govt training of RMPs, PMPs

Hyderabad: Terming it as a way of promoting quackery, the resident doctors in Telangana have initiated a black badge protest strongly objecting to the government's decision to train RMPs and PMPs in the state. 

This comes after the State Health Minister T Harish Rao emphasised training the paramedical practitioners (PMP) and the registered medical practitioners (RMP) across the State and constituted a panel to submit a report in this regard, adds TNIE.

This decision was strongly opposed by the medical fraternity across the State and now the doctors associated with Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T JUDA) have initiated a black badge protest.

"We will decide our future course of action after considering the reaction from the authorities," the President of TJUDA, Dr. Kaushik Kumar Pinjarala informed Medical Dialogues.

Issuing an official statement in this regard, the association mentioned on July 20, "We, T JUDA, write to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the lack of response from the authorities on our previous official statement opposing the decision to train quacks in the healthcare system. In light of the gravity of this matter and its potential impact on patient safety and quality of care, we are compelled to escalate our protest."

"As representatives of junior doctors across Telangana, our primary goal is to ensure the highest standards of healthcare delivery and patient welfare. The training of quacks poses a significant threat to these fundamental principles and undermines the integrity of the medical profession. Despite our strong objections and the clear evidence highlighting the risks associated with unqualified practitioners, the lack of a response from the concerned authorities is disheartening," the association further mentioned.

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"Therefore, after careful consideration and in solidarity with the principles we stand for, T JUDA has decided to initiate a black badge protest. This protest serves as a symbol of our collective dissent and dissatisfaction with the decision to train quacks. It is a solemn demonstration of our commitment to upholding professional ethics, patient safety, and the integrity of the healthcare system," read the official statement issued by the association.

As per the latest media report by The New Indian Express, in a review meeting held last week, the State Health Minister T Harish Rao emphasised training the paramedical practitioners (PMP) and the registered medical practitioners (RMP) across the State. In fact, the Health Ministry of Telangana set up a committee as well for preparing a comprehensive report on the training requirements of the RMPs and PMPs.

Earlier condemning the decision of the Health Ministry, TJUDA mentioned on July 12, "T JUDA express our strong condemnation of the recent decision by the government to provide medical training and certificates to Quacks. The decision to grant medical training and certificates to Quacks poses significant risks to patient safety and undermines the standards and integrity of the medical profession."

"Furthermore, the lack of consultation with medical professionals, healthcare organizations, and stakeholders in the development of guidelines raises concerns about the credibility and effectiveness of this decision. The expertise and insights of those working in the medical field must be sought and incorporated to ensure the implementation of sound policies that prioritize patient welfare and safety," the association further added.

The decision was vehemently opposed by the Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA) as well. Condemning the move, HRDA mentioned that "Instead of taking steps for eradication of quackery from State, giving such statements keeping public health at stake is very unfortunate."

Questioning the need for so many medical colleges when the 'quacks' were given training, HRDA further mentioned that "...it’s very unfortunate Health Minister saying as if guidelines laid by Hon’ble High Court of Telangana for training of quacks."

While considering the plea by the association, the HC bench of Chief Justice Sri Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice V Ramasubramanian ordered back on July 24, 2018, "To our query, we are told that there is no primary legislation in place to govern and provide for registration of Rural Medical Practitioners and Para Medics, who do not have registration as per law relating to registration of doctors or physicians in terms of the different empowering central enactments. With this in view, we notice that the Government had constituted a Committee as delineated in paragraph No.4 of G.O. Rt. No.428. The said Committee, we hope, would have by this time, in the last three years, addressed on the requisite factors, because, the issues that arise by imparting Community Para Medic Training and empowering the persons to call themselves as Para Medics could result in multifaceted situation which is required to be addressed by the Government and, if needed, by the State Legislature, as may be found necessary."

"Therefore, this Writ Petition is ordered directing that the Committee constituted as per G.O. Rt. No.428 dated 29.06.2015 will place its comprehensive report before the Government, if such report has not already been placed, and the Government of Telangana State will consider all aspects of the matter including those highlighted in this writ petition also noticing that respondent No.2, the Telangana State Medical Council, essentially supports the plea of the writ petitioner on facts. A decision in this regard shall follow from the State Government without fail with an outer limit of four (4) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Before parting, we may also alert the Government to the petitioner’s plea that adequate number of “Primary Health Centers” and “Community Health Centers” are not in place and such facilities have to be appropriately provided. This shall also be addressed by the Government," the Court had further mentioned.

Referring to the HC order, HRDA demanded immediate withdrawal of the proposal to train the 'quacks' and mentioned in its Press Release, "Health dept is silent without taking any necessary action on quacks who are claiming themselves as doctors, prescribing schedule drugs and from filing affidavit in WP(PIL) 02/2023 filed by HRDA in High Court."

To view the HC order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/telangana-hc-order-214656.pdf

Also Read: Telangana Medical Council sets up 3 member district panels to curb quackery in State