Activists condemn Inaction on Illegal Hospitals in Suryapet, seek DMHO Suspension

Hyderabad: Allegations of gross negligence and systemic failure have erupted in Telangana’s Suryapet district, where several private hospitals and diagnostic centres continue to operate without licenses or qualified staff—despite damning findings from official inspections.

At a round table meeting held on Sunday, civil society groups, youth leaders, and activists condemned the district medical authorities for their inaction and alleged collusion.

The meeting, organised by the Telangana Youth Federation, brought together speakers from journalists’ associations, student unions, and civil society organizations to discuss the deteriorating state of healthcare and the government’s apparent unwillingness to intervene.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in a recent raid, the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) identified several unqualified dermatologists running skin and hair clinics in the state without a valid degree, experience, and credibility. The council will soon register FIRs against them.

Also Read: Quacks found operating cosmetic clinics after Medical Council inspections

Addressing the gathering, Telangana Youth Federation state general secretary Anantula Madhu said, “The DMHO’s failure to act on even clear evidence from Telangana Medical Council inspections shows shocking negligence. He must be immediately suspended and a full inquiry should be initiated,” reports Deccan Chronicle.

According to the Federation, a surprise inspection by the Telangana Medical Council nearly two weeks ago uncovered serious violations. Private hospitals and diagnostic centres, including the Apple Scan Centre in Suryapet, were reportedly found operating without mandatory registration and lacked medically qualified personnel. Despite this, district health authorities have failed to take meaningful action beyond issuing routine show-cause notices.

On May 2, activists submitted a formal complaint to the Suryapet Additional Collector, urging prompt closure of the unregistered centres and legal action against those responsible. However, the week passed without further developments. Madhu noted that the week had ended, and no action had been taken despite the authorities’ own warnings.

Speakers alleged that these centres were flouting provisions of the National Medical Commission Act (2019) and the PCPNDT Act (1994), operating with fake degrees and misleading patients. They also questioned how the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) granted permissions and renewals without properly verifying the credentials or medical registrations of the practitioners involved.

Also Read: Telangana Medical Council Raids Illegal Clinics, 25 Quacks booked

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Telangana Janasamithi state secretary Kuntla Dharma Rjuna said the government has abandoned its responsibility in ensuring public health. “Education and healthcare are now out of reach for the common person,” he said, calling for a state-level complaint against the so-called medical mafia in Suryapet.

Mass Line Party district secretary Kothapalli Shiva Kumar stated that healthcare had become a bunch of sour grapes for the poor and emphasized the need for a collective fight against the mafia and the inaction of the DMHO.