Concerns over Telangana’s public healthcare system surfaced on Thursday after social activist Robin Zaccheus detailed his family’s experience during a medical emergency, prompting a response from Telangana Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha, who announced disciplinary action and an inquiry.

In a post on X, Mr. Zaccheus alleged that it took nearly 40 minutes for a 108 ambulance to reach his residence in Malkajgiri after a senior member of his family suffered a stroke. He further claimed that after the patient was shifted to the District Medical Hospital in Malkajgiri, doctors there referred the patient to Gandhi Hospital. The same ambulance driver allegedly refused to transport the patient further, insisting that a fresh allocation had to be made through the 108 system.

The activist also described overcrowding at Gandhi Hospital’s emergency ward, alleging shortage of beds, stretchers and wheelchairs. Responding to the allegations, the Minister said the ambulance driver, Kailash Rathod, had been suspended for negligence and violation of protocol. He added that notices had also been issued to sanitation and patient care contractors at Gandhi Hospital over the reported deficiencies.