KARIMNAGAR: A group of private hospitals in Karimnagar that had reportedly formed an informal “Hospital Action Force” (HAF) to respond to disputes at healthcare facilities has been directed by the police to disband the body.
Karimnagar Police Commissioner Gaush Alam issued the direction after an inquiry into allegations that representatives of three to four private hospitals would rush to member hospitals whenever disputes arose involving patients or their attendants.
The issue came to light following a complaint by Annemalla Suresh, who alleged that information about incidents at member hospitals was quickly shared within the network, prompting HAF representatives to reach the spot. According to the complaint, they would help resolve disputes through “persuasion” and “compromise”, and in some instances allegedly resort to intimidation.
The complaint also alleged that the formation of the group had led to divisions among private hospitals, with some supporting the arrangement and others opposing it.
However, the hospitals cited growing concerns over attacks on healthcare workers across Telangana for the formation of the HAF. In recent months, doctors have reportedly been assaulted at several government hospitals, including Gandhi Hospital and Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad, as well as district hospitals in Nirmal and Mancherial.
The incidents triggered protests and service boycotts by junior doctors demanding better security at medical institutions.
Following the complaint, Gaush Alam ordered an inquiry and issued notices to the hospitals concerned. The investigation reportedly found no evidence that private bouncers had been engaged by the hospitals.
However, the commissioner maintained that maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the police and that any such collective arrangements were unnecessary.
Speaking to TNIE, Gaush Alam said the organisers had agreed to disband the group and would seek prior permission from the authorities before undertaking any collective activities in future.
To address concerns over the safety of healthcare workers, the police have established a formal coordination mechanism with the Indian Medical Association. A committee has been constituted and a common WhatsApp group created linking IMA office-bearers and police officials. IMA member Dr Akula Shailaja said, “If violence continues, I will leave this profession.”
