TPN , Hyderabad – Several MLAs from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) were arrested on Monday while attempting to investigate reports of rising maternal and infant mortality rates at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad. The situation escalated when former MLA Methuku Anand and MLA Kalvakuntla Sanjay were stopped from entering the hospital and subsequently taken into custody by police.
Former Health Minister Rajaiah was apprehended at the Old MLA Quarters just as he was departing for the hospital. Meanwhile, MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy faced house arrest at his residence in Jubilee Hills. Tensions flared at Gandhi Hospital as police barricaded the BRS MLAs, preventing them from conducting their investigation.
The BRS had formed a three-member fact-finding team, including Rajaiah, Anand, and Sanjay, to probe the alleged decline in medical services in Telangana. However, the opposition party claimed that the government was actively trying to obstruct their efforts. Reports indicated that police visited the homes of the three leaders to deter them from proceeding to the hospital.
BRS leaders questioned why the Congress government was so apprehensive about the visit from the fact-finding team, suggesting that the government feared revelations about maternal and infant deaths at Gandhi Hospital. They demanded an end to what they termed “undemocratic actions” aimed at blocking their investigations.
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao condemned the arrests, calling for the immediate release of the detained MLAs. He expressed concern over the Congress government’s actions, stating on social media, “What are they hiding from the people of Telangana? Why this desperate attempt to silence truth-seekers investigating rising infant and maternal deaths?”
Rama Rao highlighted the committee’s intention to assess healthcare conditions across the state, starting with Gandhi Hospital. He emphasized that the report from the experienced doctors would be crucial for the government to make informed decisions regarding healthcare. “Is the Congress government afraid of being held accountable for their catastrophic failure in healthcare? The people deserve answers,” he stated.
As the situation unfolds, the BRS remains steadfast in its commitment to uncover the truth regarding healthcare issues in Telangana, vowing to continue their efforts despite the obstacles they face.