Healthcare professionals in Hyderabad and across Telangana have staged black badge protests against Government Order (GO) 229, expressing strong opposition to changes affecting the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC). Member doctors from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Hyderabad, and other medical bodies wore black badges and held peaceful demonstrations to highlight their concerns.
The controversy centres on GO 229, issued by the state government’s health department, which expands the Telangana Medical Council by adding four additional ex‑officio members, increasing the total number of council members. Medical professionals argue this move undermines the council’s autonomy, weakens the voice of elected representatives and could compromise professional standards and patient safety.
Protesters warned that increasing government nominees in what is supposed to be an independent regulatory body may lead to bureaucratic dominance over medical governance, diluting the council’s role in enforcing medical ethics, licensing and oversight functions. Some doctors, including young and junior practitioners, have been participating in creative demonstrations such as colourful rangolis with messages calling for the order’s withdrawal.
The IMA Hyderabad branch, led by its city president, emphasised that such significant policy decisions should be made only after meaningful consultation with recognised medical bodies to align reforms with on‑the‑ground realities and safeguard healthcare quality. They have called on the government to revoke GO 229 and engage in dialogue with medical stakeholders.
The protests reflect broader unease in the Telangana medical community over what many see as undue government interference in a profession‑led regulatory institution, with threats of further collective action if their concerns are not addressed.
