Activists write open letter to Telangana CM, point at issues in govt hospitals

Activists and citizens in an open letter highlight concerns over basic facilities at major government hospitals in Hyderabad, including Osmania General Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Niloufer Hospital and Petlaburj Maternity Hospital. File | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

“If the public is drifting away from government hospitals and being pushed into the clutches of the corporate healthcare system, it is undeniably because politicians and governments lack genuine sincerity,” said 115 citizens and activists in an open letter to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha.

The letter accused successive governments of failing to strengthen public healthcare, alleging that the lack of basic amenities in government hospitals is driving patients towards private healthcare.

Gaps in basic facilities

The letter highlights concerns over drinking water facilities, toilets, sanitation and the maintenance of infrastructure at major government hospitals in Hyderabad, including Osmania General Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Niloufer Hospital and Petlaburj Maternity Hospital.

The signatories — comprising social activists, academics, writers, journalists, teachers and other citizens — questioned whether the government’s promises to improve public healthcare translated into better conditions for patients.