The growth in medical education infra in the State since 2014 has made the role of the DME pivotal in ensuring the quality and accessibility to medical education and healthcare services.
In a landmark development, Telangana has appointed Dr. A. Narendra Kumar as its first Director of Medical Education (DME) since the State formation in 2014. The appointment, formalised through an order issued by Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu on Thursday (January 23, 2025), marks a milestone in the State’s healthcare administration.
Until now, the post of DME had been held by in-charge officials. Most recently, Dr. N. Vani served as the in-charge DME, a position she assumed in February 2024. The longest tenure as in-charge DME was held by Dr. Ramesh Reddy, who served for six years before being transferred following the Congress party’s rise to power in 2023.
Since Telangana’s formation, the State’s medical education infrastructure has witnessed remarkable growth. The number of government medical colleges has increased from five in 2014 to 34 today. This expansion has made the role of the DME pivotal in ensuring the quality and accessibility of medical education and healthcare services.
Dr. Narendra Kumar previously served as the superintendent of Government General Hospital in Wanaparthy. With the promotion, he now assumes the role of overseeing medical education and healthcare services across the State. The same order also promoted Dr. K. Siva Ram Prasad, principal of Government Medical College in Jagtial, to the role of Director of Medical Education (Academics).
Orders appointing Dr. A Narendra Kumar as Telangana’s Director of Medical Education (DME) were issued on Thursday (January 23, 2025) | Photo Credit: By Arrangement
The Telangana Government Doctors Association (TGGDA) extended its congratulations to the newly appointed officials, expressing confidence in their leadership to elevate medical education in the state to new heights.
Published - January 24, 2025 01:40 pm IST
