How a Telangana government doctor’s absence from duty exposed a web of violations at his private hospital - The HinduPublished - August 10, 2026 09:38 pm IST - HYDERABADHealth officials conduct inspection at KBR Life Care Hospital in Pothireddypally, Sangareddy district of Telangana on August 10 | Photo Credit: Special ArrangementWhat began as an inquiry into a government doctor’s absence from duty has now opened up a much larger set of questions about his private hospital in Sangareddy district in Telangana. A health department inspection conducted on Monday (August 10) found that nearly 75% of the laboratory reagents had expired, while expired drugs and anaesthesia were also found in the operation theatre.The hospital, KBR Life Care Hospital at Pothireddypally in Sangareddy district, is owned by Dr. K. Ramesh who was serving as a Deputy Civil Surgeon (General Medicine) at the Area Hospital in Jogipet. Dr. Ramesh was suspended on August 7 after an inquiry found that he had skipped his scheduled night duty at the government hospital on August 5 and arranged for a private individual, who was not a government doctor, to perform duties in his place.A senior health official informed The Hindu that inspections at KBR Life Care Hospital revealed a series of violations relating to patient safety and regulatory compliance. Around 75% of the reagents in the hospital laboratory were found to have expired. The laboratory was consequently sealed.Health officials conduct inspection at KBR Life Care Hospital in Pothireddypally, Sangareddy district of Telangana on August 10 | Photo Credit: Special ArrangementThe inspection also found that the hospital had not complied with prescribed biomedical waste segregation regulations. Officials found expired drugs and expired anaesthesia in the operation theatre. Unlabelled pre-filled syringes and medicines were also found stored in the operation theatre and in a refrigerator.In view of the findings, officials closed the operation theatres and the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) issued orders prohibiting the hospital from conducting any surgical procedures until further orders.The hospital’s ultrasound/scanning unit also came under scrutiny. Officials found a mobile ultrasound machine in the operation theatre and sealed the ultrasound room. “Mobile ultrasound machines can be misused for sex-determination tests, which are prohibited under law and can facilitate female foeticide,” the official added. The authorities are set to initiate further action under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and Rules.Health officials conduct inspection at KBR Life Care Hospital in Pothireddypally, Sangareddy district of Telangana on August 10 | Photo Credit: Special ArrangementThe inquiry has also widened to another government doctor. Officials found records indicating that a government-employed gynaecologist had allegedly attended to outpatients and participated in surgeries at KBR Life Care Hospital during government duty hours. Records relating to attendance and procedures have also been seized, and action is expected against the doctor.“Despite the violations detected during the inspection, the hospital was not immediately sealed as five patients were admitted at the time. We have asked the hospital to provide them with the necessary treatment and ensure that they are safely discharged within 48 hours,” the official added.Published - August 10, 2026 09:38 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }