Private medical shops in Telangana’s government hospitals face eviction amid legal hurdles

Private medical shops in Telangana government hospitals face eviction due to expired leases and ongoing legal challenges, says Health Minister.

Private medical shops operating within government hospital premises in Telangana are set to be removed, even as legal challenges continue to delay action in some cases, Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha said on Monday.

Responding to questions in the Telangana Legislative Council, the Minister said the government has initiated steps to evict private medical shops that continue to function despite the expiry of their lease period. He clarified that no new permissions have been granted to such shops since the current government assumed office.

Of the 65 medical shops functioning on lease across government hospitals in the State, six belong to private operators and are located in key institutions. These include three shops in Gandhi Hospital, two in Osmania General Hospital and one in Government Maternity Hospital, Sultan Bazaar.

The Minister said legal proceedings have been a key hurdle in the eviction process. Court cases related to four of these shops have already been disposed of, eviction orders have been issued, and the process of vacating them is currently under way. However, two shops in Gandhi Hospital continue to operate after obtaining stay orders from courts.

The Minister added that the government is actively pursuing pending cases to secure the lifting of these stay orders, following which all shops operating beyond their authorised lease periods will be evicted.

He said the State is simultaneously promoting the establishment of generic medical shops within government hospitals to improve access to affordable medicines, particularly for patients relying on public healthcare services. “A new policy is being prepared and fresh tenders will be invited once the eviction process is completed,” he added.