MLC Kodandaram’s support for RMPs sparks concern among medical community

M. Kodandaram.
| Photo Credit: File Photo

Healthcare associations in Telangana have slammed MLC M. Kodandaram’s call for issuing training certificates to Rural Medical Practitioners (RMPs) and Private Medical Practitioners (PMPs), warning that it could jeopardise public health.

In a widely circulated video, Mr.Kodandaram argued that RMPs and PMPs play a vital role in rural healthcare and deserve formal recognition. His comments came in the wake of a protest by RMPs and PMPs at Indira Park in Hyderabad, where they demanded legitimacy and an end to raids against them, igniting a heated debate within the medical community.

The Warangal chapter of the Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (THANA) issued a statement condemning Mr.Kodandaram’s remarks. “Qualified doctors play a critical role in ensuring patient safety. Allowing unqualified individuals to practice medicine without proper education poses significant risks to public health and the credibility of healthcare institutions. By supporting such demands, Prof. Kodandaram may be seen as compromising ethical and professional standards that protect patients and uphold the integrity of healthcare,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA) has escalated the matter by filing a complaint against Mr. Kodandaram with Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma. The HRDA cited Section 34 of the National Medical Commission Act, which states that only registered medical practitioners are legally permitted to practice medicine. “Quackery poses a serious threat to public health, and encouraging such practices is unacceptable. It undermines the efforts of qualified medical professionals who have undergone rigorous training,” the HRDA stated in its complaint.

The Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) has opposed the demand by RMPs and PMPs. “It is shocking that Mr. Kodandaram is supporting this, putting public health at risk for political gain. Medicine is a serious profession requiring proper education and training. Allowing unqualified individuals to act as doctors is illegal, unethical and a direct threat to patient safety,” said a statement from T-JUDA.