New Medical Colleges in Telangana Struggle with Infrastructure Issues
New medical colleges in Telangana are grappling with severe infrastructure problems, leading to unrest among students and faculty. Students from the Government Medical College in Asifabad recently staged a protest, demanding adequate faculty and facilities. They pointed out the absence of essential departments like gynecology, ophthalmology, and dermatology, even three months into the academic year.
The protesting students submitted a memorandum to the District Collector, highlighting their concerns. They reported a lack of professors, assistant professors, associate professors, and Heads of Departments (HODs). Additionally, they mentioned the absence of qualified lab technicians, irregular classes, and insufficient laboratory equipment required for practical sessions.
One major concern raised by the students was the lack of cadavers for anatomy practice. According to National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, a minimum of eight cadavers is required, but the college has not provided even one so far. The students also complained about the absence of doctors, inadequate power equipment, and a lack of proper facilities in the college. “Without practical knowledge, there is no use of an MBBS degree,” the students stated in their representation to the Collector.
Experts have noted that these issues are not limited to Asifabad but are widespread across most newly established medical colleges in the State. They argue that Telangana already has enough doctors, as per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which recommend one doctor for every 1,000 people. Currently, the State has one doctor for every 680 people. A senior doctor criticized the previous government for prioritizing vote bank politics over medical education, which has led to the current crisis.
The senior doctor also emphasized that while the new government is trying to improve infrastructure and faculty, the situation has escalated beyond easy resolution. “At least now, the government should focus on streamlining medical education instead of establishing more government and private medical colleges,” he added.
Criticism was also directed at the NMC, which was accused of becoming a political platform instead of an autonomous regulatory body. “The NMC is granting permissions too liberally, relaxing norms and regulations. Most of its members are political leaders rather than experts who understand the system,” the senior doctor remarked.
Students and experts alike are calling for urgent action to address these pressing issues and ensure that medical education in the State meets acceptable standards.
