Opposition to Government Order on Medical Council
Hyderabad: Government doctors across Telangana on Wednesday staged a statewide black badge protest at all government medical colleges, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Government Order (GO) 229, which nominated additional ex officio members to the Telangana Medical Council. The doctors announced that the peaceful protest would continue from January 7, while ensuring that patient care remains unaffected.
Concerns Over Autonomy of Medical Council
Doctors have strongly objected to the inclusion of non-doctors and bureaucrats in the medical council, stating that it undermines the council’s autonomy, independence, and representative character. According to the medical fraternity, the move violates established judicial principles meant to protect autonomous professional regulatory bodies and could adversely affect medical education standards and professional self-regulation.
Protest Led by Medical Joint Action Committee
The protest has been called by the Medical Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising organisations such as IMA–Telangana State, Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), Telangana Junior Doctors Association, Telangana Senior Residents Doctors Association, and Telangana Teaching Government Doctors Association. The JAC described the black badge protest as symbolic, reflecting deep concern within the fraternity, and warned of phased escalation if the government fails to respond positively.
Expansion of Telangana Medical Council Sparks Backlash
GO 229, issued on December 22, 2025, expanded the Telangana Medical Council by adding four more ex officio members, increasing its strength from 25 to 29. While earlier the council already included several government representatives, the new additions—many of whom are non-medical bureaucrats—have triggered strong opposition from doctors’ bodies, who question the need for increasing non-medical representation in a professional regulatory body.
Doctors Seek Withdrawal of GO 229
Medical organisations across the state, including HRDA, IMA Telangana, T-JUDA, TSRDA, TTGDA, AIDSA and others, have united against the order. They have urged the state government to immediately withdraw GO 229, uphold the High Court’s emphasis on maintaining an elected majority in the council, and safeguard the autonomy of medical regulation in the interest of ethical governance and public health.
