Over 2,200 Doctor Posts Vacant in Telangana Government Hospitals, Data Shows

The Telangana Health department has disclosed that nearly one in every three sanctioned doctor posts in the state’s government teaching and secondary hospitals remains unfilled, with 2,238 vacancies out of a total of 7,515 positions. The data was presented in the Legislative Council on Thursday in response to a question raised by MLC Naveen Kumar Kurumaiahgari.

The figures highlight a persistent staffing gap in the public healthcare system across Telangana. The state operates 203 government hospitals, including 35 teaching hospitals, 16 speciality hospitals and 152 secondary hospitals, with a total of 36,984 beds in secondary and tertiary care facilities.

Secondary hospitals face acute shortage

The most severe shortages are concentrated in the secondary healthcare system, which includes district and area hospitals. Under the Directorate of Secondary Health, 4,092 posts are sanctioned, but only 2,612 doctors are currently in position — a working strength of just 53 per cent. This leaves 1,480 vacancies, representing more than a third of the sanctioned workforce.

District-wise, Hyderabad has the highest number of vacancies in secondary hospitals, with 148 of 475 sanctioned posts unfilled. Nizamabad follows closely with 142 vacancies out of 253 posts, while Khammam has 114 vacancies against 246 sanctioned posts. Rangareddy and Vikarabad each report 98 vacant posts, with Bhadradri Kothagudem at 87 and Kamareddy at 84.

At the other end, Karimnagar has only three vacancies out of 40 sanctioned posts, Rajanna Sircilla has four, and Hanumakonda has six. Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Kumuram Bheem Asifabad each have eight vacancies.

Medical colleges fare better but still have gaps

Staffing in government medical colleges and teaching hospitals is comparatively stronger but not without gaps. The data shows 3,423 required posts, of which 2,942 are filled, leaving 758 vacancies — an occupancy rate of 86 per cent.

Among medical colleges, GMC Mahbubnagar has the highest number of vacancies with 75 unfilled posts. GMC Bhadradri Kothagudem follows with 63 vacancies, GMC Asifabad with 62, GMC Mahabubabad with 57, GMC Wanaparthy with 51, GMC Siddipet with 46, GMC Jayashankar Bhupalpally with 45, and SIMS Ramagundam with 40.

Several institutions, including Gandhi Medical College, Osmania Medical College, GMC Nalgonda, GMC Karimnagar, GMC Maheshwaram and GMC Yadadri, reported no vacancies. Interestingly, some colleges have more doctors on staff than the number of sanctioned posts. Gandhi Medical College has 204 doctors available against 168 sanctioned posts, while Osmania Medical College has 372 against 168 sanctioned posts.

Datos clave
| Category | Sanctioned Posts | Filled Posts | Vacancies |
|———-|—————–|————–|———–|
| Secondary hospitals | 4,092 | 2,612 | 1,480 |
| Teaching hospitals / medical colleges | 3,423 | 2,942 | 758 |
| Total | 7,515 | 5,277 | 2,238 |

Implications for Hyderabad residents

For Hyderabad residents who rely on government hospitals for affordable healthcare, the vacancy data underscores the pressure on already stretched facilities. With the highest number of secondary hospital vacancies in the state, patients in Hyderabad may face longer wait times and heavier patient loads per doctor, particularly in non-speciality care.

The data also raises questions about recruitment and retention of medical professionals in the public sector. While some institutions like Gandhi and Osmania medical colleges appear overstaffed relative to sanctioned positions — likely reflecting temporary postings or contract arrangements — the broader picture shows that secondary hospitals in both urban and rural districts are struggling to maintain adequate doctor strength.

What the data does not reveal

The figures provided by the Health department do not specify how many of the vacancies are for specialist doctors versus general duty medical officers, nor do they indicate the time frame over which these posts have remained unfilled. The data also does not include nursing, paramedical or administrative staff vacancies, which would provide a fuller picture of the staffing crisis.

Residents seeking care at government hospitals are advised to check the availability of services at their nearest facility, particularly for specialist consultations, as the shortage may affect outpatient and emergency services in some districts.

Source: The Hindu – Hyderabad — Nearly 1 in 3 doctor posts vacant in Telangana government’s teaching and secondary hospitals (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/nearly-1-in-3-doctor-posts-vacant-in-telangana-governments-teaching-and-secondary-hospitals/article71451937.ece)

Datos clave