Working Journalists’ Union Seeks Expansion of Health Card Facilities
Hanamkonda, September 17, 2026: The Working Journalists of India, Telangana State, has requested the Telangana Information and Public Relations Minister to extend Journalist Health Card facilities to all private and super-speciality hospitals where Government Employees Health Cards are accepted.
In a representation submitted to the minister, the Union Secterary Nara Subramanyeshwara Rao said journalists and their family members are facing difficulties as Journalist Health Cards are not accepted by several private and super-speciality hospitals. It said this is affecting access to timely medical treatment, particularly during emergencies.
The union also raised concerns about the availability of facilities at Government Wellness Centres. According to the representation, some centres do not have specialist doctors, adequate medical equipment and sufficient medical staff. It also stated that the number of wellness centres and available staff is not sufficient to meet the requirements of government employees and journalists, resulting in waiting times for treatment.
The union said journalists work in the field on a continuous basis and require access to timely healthcare facilities.
The Working Journalists of India requested the government to consider the following measures:
• Make Journalist Health Cards acceptable at all private hospitals where Government Employees Health Cards are accepted.
• Bring reputed and super-speciality hospitals under the Journalist Health Card scheme.
• Provide Journalist Health Card holders healthcare facilities on par with Government Employees Health Card holders, as far as possible.
• Increase the number of Government Wellness Centres wherever required.
• Provide sufficient doctors, specialist doctors, medical staff and other personnel at Wellness Centres.
• Provide adequate medical equipment and diagnostic facilities.
• Ensure the availability of a wider range of essential medicines, including medicines required for emergency and other health conditions.
• Reduce waiting time and provide timely medical attention to journalists.
The union requested the Information and Public Relations Department to take necessary steps to improve healthcare access for journalists and their families.
