Doctors seek representation in Council

​Hyderabad: With an aim that their voice be heard in the Telangana Legislative Council, the health professionals from the State have decided to field a candidate from themselves in the Council elections. The FOMA (Federation of Medical Associations) that consists of doctors, nurses, paramedics, technicians as members, decided to field a doctor as a candidate in the upcoming MLC election for Adilabad-Nizamabad-Medak-Karimnagar Graduates’ constituency.

Presently this constituency is represented by Legislative Council chairman K Swamy Goud and his term is going to end in March. According to FOMA leaders, the decision was taken as medical fraternity is disappointed with lack of proper response to their issues from elected representatives. Insiders say they have given numerous representations to those in power and members of the legislatures, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. 

Although there are few legislators with doctor background, they are not raising issues concerning health sector as desired obviously due to party line and constraints to speak openly. They feel that getting a medical professional elected to the Council would give them a voice in the Upper House to get desired reforms in the healthcare sector. 

When asked if any political party has extended support, HRDA (Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association) president Dr K Mahesh Kumar said their preference is to contest independently." Our concentration is only getting the registration of votes. 

We will assess the situation afterwards," he said. He explained that if a doctor becomes an MLC, it would present them a big opportunity to raise questions, seek debates on various health issues concerning the State. T JUDA chairman Dr P S Vijayender Goud had stated that the health fraternity, which is an integral part of public health care in the State, should be given representation in the Legislative Council much like how the teaching fraternity is given a chance.

"Teachers have teacher MLC quota in the Legislative Council. Likewise, a doctor MLC quota should also be made. This sounds new but the health fraternity also deserves a chance," he said.