Health Department Corruption Allegations Surface

Health Department Faces Allegations as Officials Continue Despite Complaints

Long-standing officials accused of organised collections

Hyderabad, March 22: Allegations of organised financial collections have surfaced within the Health Department, with long-standing officials reportedly operating without restraint. Employees have raised concerns over fixed rates being demanded for deputations, transfers, and promotions.

Despite repeated corruption allegations, no visible action has been taken against these officials. Questions are being raised over the delay in initiating disciplinary measures, even as complaints continue to emerge from within the department.

Influence beyond rank raises concerns

Though many of the accused are lower-level officials by designation, they are said to wield significant influence in administrative processes. Reports indicate that they act as intermediaries, collecting money from employees and allegedly passing on a share to senior officials.

Staff members have openly stated that movement of files often depends on payments being made. This has led to a perception of an entrenched system where routine administrative decisions are linked to unofficial payments.

Multiple wings under scrutiny

The issue is reported across key departments. In Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP), two lower-level officials have been named in allegations. In the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), two women officials are reportedly involved.

Similar accusations have emerged from Telangana State Medical Services Infrastructure Development Corporation (TGGMSIDC), where one woman official and another staff member are said to be part of the network. In the Directorate of Health (DH), five officials are alleged to be operating as a syndicate.

Concerns have also been flagged in the Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) wing, where officials are accused of irregularities involving both National Health Mission (NHM) funds and departmental resources.

Lack of action despite the complaint list

A list of officials accused of corruption was reportedly submitted to the government about a month ago. However, no action has followed so far. Allegations suggest that the officials have managed to retain their positions by influencing higher authorities.

Employees have also claimed that some officials are openly asserting that they will continue to remain in positions at the Koti Health Campus and that payments are mandatory for administrative approvals.

Tenure norms reportedly violated

According to government rules, officials are not expected to remain in the same section for more than two years, with a possible one-year extension based on performance. However, several officials are reported to have continued in the same roles for years.

In some cases, officials have allegedly remained in the same position even after receiving promotions. It is being alleged that financial incentives are influencing such continuations, as remaining in key positions reportedly offers greater unofficial gains than formal salary increases.

Demand for vigilance intervention

Employees have called for intervention by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), stating that removal of the identified group is necessary for administrative reforms. The continuation of such practices, they warn, could further weaken governance within the Health Department.