The Telangana government is set to introduce a policy to strengthen government hospital infrastructure in tribal areas. Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha announced this during a review meeting at the Secretariat. The policy aims to improve capabilities, access to essential services and ensure quality healthcare for tribal communities.
What the New Policy Aims to Do
The policy includes a phased rollout of CT scan facilities at all Area Hospitals in Telangana’s Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs). This will improve capacity in regions with limited access to advanced imaging services. The Minister said hospital development in regions will focus on proximity to communities, not just population-based metrics. New sub-centres and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) will be set up where needed in areas with smaller populations.
Expanding Dialysis Access
The government has been expanding dialysis services in areas. The goal is to ensure patients can reach a dialysis centre within 20 minutes of travel. Currently 25 dialysis centres are treating over 1,373 patients across Agency districts. Plans are underway to establish 34 dialysis centres.
CT Scans to Cover Key Agency Areas
The new policy includes introducing CT scan facilities in Agency regions, including Bhadrachalam, Ashwaraopeta and Yellandu. This will reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for advanced diagnostic imaging.
Preparedness for Seasonal Diseases
The Minister addressed the governments efforts to manage health risks in tribal areas during the monsoon season. Officials have been directed to remain on alert and ensure government hospitals have adequate stocks of medicines and diagnostic kits.
A Broader Push Following a Maternal Death Tragedy
The renewed focus on healthcare infrastructure follows a tragic maternal death reported earlier this year. The state government took action against staff members involved. The Minister directed officials to identify high-risk pregnancies and ensure transfer to Birth Waiting Homes. He affirmed that there would be no compromise on child healthcare.
Additional Health Priorities in Tribal Areas
The government has directed officials to intensify screening and management of conditions including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, anaemia and tuberculosis. Plans are underway to expand mobile cancer screening services.
Why This Matters
Telanganas tribal areas have historically faced challenges in accessing quality healthcare. The state governments commitment to ensuring challenges do not become barriers to timely medical care reflects a broader national push toward more equitable healthcare access, for tribal populations.
What Comes Next
Further details regarding the policys implementation timeline, funding allocations and new sub-centres and PHCs are expected to be finalised. The new policy appears intended to consolidate and build upon efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes across Telanganas tribal regions.
