In a historic move, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao virtually inaugurated 9 new government medical colleges across the state, marking a pivotal moment in the healthcare history of the region. The inauguration event, a first in the country’s medical education field, included the districts of Karimnagar, Kamareddy, Khammam, and more, firmly placing Telangana at the forefront of India’s medical sector.
Telangana’s commitment to revolutionizing healthcare is evident as it aims to produce a staggering 10,000 doctors annually. This ambitious goal is set to not only address the healthcare needs of Telangana but also make a substantial contribution to the nation’s medical workforce.
The transformative journey of Telangana’s healthcare sector is showcased by the increase in government medical colleges from five in 2014 to an impressive 26 today. In addition, the number of medical seats has risen significantly, from 2,850 in 2014 to 8,515 in 2023. Remarkably, 85 percent of these seats are reserved for local students, enhancing accessibility to medical education for the youth of Telangana.
Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao underlined the critical role these new medical colleges would play as they not only impart medical education but also strengthen the state’s healthcare system. These colleges are set to provide quality medical services in all district headquarters, bolstering healthcare accessibility.
Telangana’s healthcare expansion isn’t limited to medical colleges. The state is also establishing nursing colleges and paramedical courses affiliated with government medical colleges across all district headquarters. With a sharp focus on robust healthcare systems, Telangana has significantly increased its government hospital beds, making it the only state in India with 22 medical seats for every one lakh population.
Learning from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has invested in strengthening medical infrastructure, ensuring an adequate supply of oxygen and planning to provide approximately 10,000 super specialty beds. Initiatives like KCR Kits and nutrition kits have substantially increased institutional deliveries and contributed to a notable reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates.
Telangana’s progress in the public healthcare sector has been acknowledged nationally, evident in its climb from the 11th rank in the NITI Aayog Health Index in 2014 to an impressive third position in 2023. This monumental development cements Telangana’s commitment to providing quality healthcare and shaping the future of India’s medical landscape.