Doctors turn netas, 15 to enter Telangana House

HYDERABAD: From treating patients at hospitals to now fighting fire on civic issues, 15 doctors are also set to enter the Assembly after winning the high-stakes assembly elections to the state. Interestingly, with victories across the state, none from the have won from the city.

Three orthopaedic doctors have become MLAs this time. Dr Palvai Harish Babu (BJP) won in Sirpur and is an orthopaedic surgeon. Another surgeon, Dr Tellam Venkata Rao (BRS) was elected from Bhadrachalam. Dr R Bhoopathi Reddy (Congress) who won from the Nizamabad rural segment is also a well-known orthopaedic doctor.

General surgeons who won include Dr Ram Chander Naik (Dornakal), Dr Vamshi Krishna (Achampet), Dr Murali Naik (Mahbubabad), Dr K Satyanarayana (Manakonduru) - all from the Congress. Dr Mynampally Rohit elected from Medak - and a first-time MLA - fought on a Congress ticket. Dr Vivek Venkataswamy, secured a victory from Chennur from the Congress.

General physician Dr Parnika Reddy (Congress) will represent Narayanpet and paediatrician Dr P Sanjeeva Reddy (Congress) will represent Narayankhed. Neurosurgeon Dr Kalvakuntla Sanjay was elected from Korutla assembly segment. Doctors, with other specializations who won include, Dr M Sanjay Kumar who is an ophthalmologist (BRS-Jagtial), M Ragamayee, Pulmonologist (Congress-Sattupalli), Dr Kuchukulla Rajesh Reddy, dental surgeon (Congress-Nagarkurnool).

As these doctor-cum-MLAs step into the third Telangana legislative assembly, there is suspense over who will be the future minister for health and family welfare.