Even Independence Day fails to unite Telangana doctors groups

Hyderabad: Two National Flags were hoisted by rival groups of the Telangana Government Doctors Association on Independence Day, each claiming they represented the body.

The two groups, one headed by Dr Putta Srinivas with Dr Ravi Shekar as general secretary, and the other by Dr Ramesh and Dr P. Praveen claim they have been elected.

Dr P. Praveen of the Dr Ramesh group claimed they have an order from the High Court stating that they represent the association. He said his group hoisted the flag first at the building allotted to doctors. Dr P. Srinivas and Dr Shekar came along with the police and stated that they are the rightful representatives and must be allowed to hoist the flag. We were shocked.”

After heated arguments between the two groups, Sultan Bazaar police said everyone had a right to hoist the flag on Independence Day, and allowed the other group to hoist the flag.

Government doctors from ENT Hospital, OGH, Koti Maternity Hospital and other staff were present during the fracas.

A senior doctor said that the Dr Srinivas had got elected, and the Dr Ramesh group had contested against it. “The order of the court has to be implemented by the government. Till that is done, it can’t be considered official. But no one is ready to wait,” he said.

Dr Srinivas and Dr Ramesh were not available for comment. The row between the two groups had reached health minster Dr C. Laxma Reddy.

A senior doctor said the two groups were quarrelling over primary membership, governance, role of office-bearers and the manner in which the funds are being utilised.”

“Both the groups are indulging in their own ego wars and no one is interested in working for the association,” another doctor said.