The Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) has announced plans to implement a digital medical registration system for doctors throughout the state, aiming to make the entire registration process paperless. This initiative was unveiled by TGMC vice-chairman Srinivas Gundagani during the inauguration of the council’s new office premises on Friday. As the only government-authorized independent regulator for doctors practicing in Telangana, TGMC’s primary objective is to safeguard public health by maintaining high professional standards in medical practice.
Dr. Srinivas highlighted that the council had already made strides in optimizing the registration process by streamlining medical registrations and reducing processing times through more user-friendly online services. The transition to a digital system marks a significant shift towards modernization, allowing doctors to complete registration tasks more efficiently without the hassle of paperwork. This step aims to improve accessibility, enhance the user experience, and contribute to more efficient regulation of medical professionals in Telangana.
In outlining TGMC’s broader objectives, Dr. Srinivas revealed the council’s plans to collaborate with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to conduct ‘Ethical Awareness Programmes’ targeted at private practitioners. These initiatives aim to ensure that doctors practicing in private settings adhere to ethical standards and maintain professionalism in their services. By fostering ethical practices, TGMC seeks to enhance trust between healthcare providers and the public and ensure that patients receive safe and reliable medical care.
In addition to ethical awareness, Dr. Srinivas expressed TGMC’s commitment to collaborating with the Telangana government on public healthcare initiatives. One of the council’s key priorities is working towards achieving a ‘Quackery Free State.’ This ambitious goal involves identifying and eliminating unqualified practitioners who falsely claim to be doctors, thereby protecting the public from fraudulent healthcare practices. Dr. Srinivas emphasized that quackery poses a significant risk to public health, and TGMC is determined to tackle this issue in partnership with the government.
Another pressing concern that TGMC aims to address is the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Dr. Srinivas pointed out that unqualified practitioners prescribing inappropriate or irrational antibiotics are contributing to the rise of AMR, a global threat that endangers effective treatment for various infectious diseases. By working to eliminate such practices and promoting responsible antibiotic use, TGMC aims to mitigate the impact of AMR on public health.
During the event, TGMC Chairman K. Mahesh Kumar reflected on the council’s achievements in 2024. One notable decision made by TGMC was to offer free registration to senior doctors above the age of 65. Additionally, the council has reduced registration and other associated fees by 50% for all other practitioners. These measures are intended to recognize the contributions of senior healthcare professionals and to support practicing doctors by reducing their financial burden.
Chairman Mahesh Kumar also noted that the current TGMC council, elected in 2023 by approximately 50,000 doctors, is younger and more dynamic compared to other state medical councils. This shift in leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the council’s initiatives. The election of the new council marked the first TGMC election since the formation of Telangana in 2014, making it a significant milestone in the state’s medical regulatory landscape.
The inauguration of TGMC’s new office premises, located within the Directorate of Medical and Health Services campus, was carried out by Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu. The new premises are expected to enhance the council’s ability to serve the medical community effectively and provide a more efficient platform for managing regulatory activities.
With a focus on digital transformation, ethical awareness, and collaboration with government bodies, TGMC is actively working towards improving healthcare standards in Telangana. The digital registration initiative is expected to make processes more efficient and accessible, while the ethical programs and initiatives against quackery and AMR aim to enhance public safety and the quality of healthcare services.
The Telangana Medical Council’s efforts reflect a commitment to strengthening the healthcare system in the state, ensuring that medical professionals uphold the highest standards, and safeguarding the well-being of the public. By addressing systemic challenges and fostering modernization, TGMC is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in Telangana.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)