Propaganda against government hospitals for political gains: Minister Damodar

Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha expressed concern that while government hospitals are providing efficient medical services to the public daily, some political leaders are spreading false information about these facilities for political gain, attempting to mislead public trust.

The Minister highlighted that approximately 45,000 patients receive medical care every day through urban primary health centers (Basti Dawakhanas). These centers provide all kinds of essential medicines. Additionally, diagnostic hubs now offer 134 types of tests to patients, and test reports are delivered within 24 hours. Because of the improved services at Basti Dawakhanas compared to private hospitals, patient congestion in major hospitals such as Gandhi and Osmania has decreased.

However, Minister Damodar criticized certain representatives who, aligned with private hospital interests, are carrying out false campaigns against government hospitals. He stated that professional lies are being spread for political purposes to erode public confidence. He assured that the public will notice the truth and “teach them a lesson at the right time.” Such conspiratorial campaigns will not dampen the morale of doctors, nurses, and staff working at Basti Dawakhanas. Government medical staff will continue focusing on providing better healthcare services to the people.

Overall, Minister Damodar emphasized that Basti Dawakhanas are continuing to provide focused, high-quality healthcare services, and political actions cannot obstruct this mission.

Basti dawakhanas across Telangana Currently, Telangana has 544 operational Basti Dawakhanas, of which 256 are in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area, and the remaining 288 are spread across other regions of the state. Each center serves approximately 5,000 to 10,000 people, offering 53 types of services, including free medical consultations, medicines, basic lab tests, prenatal and postnatal care, and screening for non-communicable diseases.

These centers are primarily set up near villages and urban areas to provide healthcare to underprivileged communities, reduce the burden on government hospitals, and meet public health needs without relying on private hospitals.

Increase in number of tests In February 2023, Telangana Health Minister Harish Rao had announced in the Assembly that the number of tests available at Basti Dawakhanas would be increased from 57 to 134. As of October 2025, according to Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha, 134 types of tests are now available at these centers. This represents a 2.3-fold increase compared to 2023. Basti Dawakhanas now play a crucial role in providing healthcare services to the people across Telangana.