Zaheerabad hospital superintendent suspended after power outage, doc association cites infrastructural neglect

The Telangana Health Department on May 31 suspended Dr. V. Sreedhar Kumar, Civil Surgeon Specialist and in-charge Superintendent of Area Hospital, Zaheerabad, over alleged professional and administrative lapses in managing emergency medical services during a power outage at the hospital on May 30.

The suspension came a few hours after former Health Minister and Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao posted two videos on the social media platform X, showing doctors attending to patients using mobile phone flashlights during the blackout.

Responding to outrage, the Health Department stated that Dr. Sreedhar Kumar had been suspended based on a report submitted by the Sangareddy district collector and the commissioner of the Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP). The report cited his failure to implement emergency response protocols during the blackout, which disrupted outpatient services and compromised patient care.

However, the Telangana Government Doctors Association (TGGDA) has objected to the suspension, calling it unjust and demoralising for frontline medical staff. In a statement, the association said the incident occurred around 1.30 p.m, amid overcast conditions that left the hospital with inadequate natural light. Doctors were forced to use flashlights to continue treating patients.

“It is alarming that doctors are repeatedly held responsible after such incidents, without a thorough and impartial investigation. Punishing healthcare workers who continue to serve in difficult conditions damages morale and undermines their commitment to public service,” the association said.

The TGGDA also questioned the administrative preparedness, stating that it is the responsibility of the health administration to ensure the hospital’s backup power systems and emergency lighting are functional. The association criticised the lack of routine audits, maintenance protocols, and the absence of key oversight positions such as Vigilance Officers, which they said has led to rash decisions like immediate suspensions.

They stressed that, as per standard protocol, a preliminary inquiry by the Head of Department should precede any disciplinary action. “Without these checks, the system risks losing the trust of the very people who uphold it,” the association said, calling for an independent investigation into the incident.

Published - June 01, 2025 10:18 pm IST