Hyderabad, Aug. 23 -- Telangana Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narasimha on Saturday, August 22, urged government hospitals to refer patients to higher healthcare facilities only in emergencies.

Addressing a review meeting at the Directorate of Secondary Health Care, Narasimha said unnecessary referrals to higher hospitals burden patients and reduce those hospitals' efficiency. He acknowledged that such referrals have reduced; however, the government has noticed a few cases still being referred to higher hospitals. Officials were warned of strict action if such practices continued.

He said community health centres (CHCs), area and district hospitals must be strengthened to provide comprehensive treatment locally, including major surgeri...