Dr Gautam Pasula, a doctor working at a primary healthcare centre in rural Karimnagar and an advocate for public health reforms, died by suicide on Monday, according to a report by Telangana Today. Family members and colleagues said he had been distressed after failing to clear the postgraduate medical entrance examination for two consecutive years.
Dr Gautam was serving as a Medical Officer at a primary healthcare centre on contract. He was also the vice-president of the Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA) in Karimnagar and had been involved in public discussions on healthcare policy, doctors’ rights and the welfare of medical professionals.
The report said family members and colleagues believed the repeated unsuccessful attempts at the postgraduate medical entrance examination had contributed to his distress. It did not provide further details about the circumstances of his death.
Dr Gautam had also advocated a ban on Paraquat Dichloride, a toxic weed killer, citing the risk of fatal poisonings among farmers. His campaign linked his work as a doctor with wider public health concerns in rural communities, where access to primary healthcare and the risks associated with agricultural chemicals remain important issues.
Senior office bearers of HRDA Telangana expressed grief over his death and remembered his work in public healthcare. In a statement, the association said he had remained committed to serving patients while working as a contract Medical Officer at a primary healthcare centre.
“Serving as a Medical Officer at a PHC on contract, he remained steadfastly committed to public healthcare and tirelessly advocated for healthcare reforms, doctors’ rights, and the dignity and welfare of the medical fraternity,” HRDA said.
The death has drawn attention to the pressures faced by medical professionals seeking postgraduate education while working in the public healthcare system. Dr Gautam’s colleagues also recalled his role as a public health commentator and his advocacy on issues affecting doctors and rural communities.
HRDA Telangana’s statement was the latest public response cited in the report. Further official details about the circumstances of the death were not provided.
