Over 150 MBBS students protest lack of basic infrastructure, safe hostel accommodation, transport and clarity on their permanent campus.
More than 150 MBBS students of Government Medical College (GMC), Maheshwaram, and their parents have resumed their protest, alleging that the college has failed to provide basic infrastructure, safe hostel accommodation and transport despite being established two years ago.
Female students have raised safety concerns, alleging eve-teasing during the nearly 2-km walk between the bus stop, their accommodation and the college. They said complaints about inappropriate behaviour around the hostels had not led to effective action. The absence of a compound wall and adequate security has added to their concerns.
The college began functioning in November 2024 from the temporary premises of Bharat Institute of Engineering and Technology (BIET) at Mangalpally and continues to operate there. Students said they had been promised a shift within six months, but it had not happened.
The government allocated the premises of the Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (Tims) at LB Nagar to the college through GO Ms. No. 190 in December 2024. Students said there was no clarity on the permanent campus or a relocation timeline.
Students had earlier boycotted classes and clinical postings from October 12 to 25. They called off the protest on October 24 after a meeting at the district collector’s office, where temporary accommodation at Tims and other buildings was discussed. They alleged, however, that no written assurances or firm deadlines were given.
Students said they had to rely on private hostels and rented accommodation, adding to their financial burden. They also cited the lack of a dedicated college bus, library, sports facilities and adequate infrastructure at teaching hospitals. The teaching hospitals are about 20 km from the college, requiring students to travel nearly 40 km daily for academic and clinical activities. Students said the commute was also affecting prescribed field visits and clinical training.
The students and parents were seeking written commitments with deadlines for hostel facilities, transport, hospital infrastructure improvements and the permanent campus.
