Article Today, Hyderabad:
An RMP doctor working in the public health sector in Khammam district has found himself in an unusual situation — winning a liquor shop licence through the government’s recent lottery draw. The doctor had submitted just one application, paying Rs. 3 lakh as the registration fee, yet his name was selected in the draw, drawing attention across the district.
A Fortunate Draw
According to officials, the draw for liquor shop allotments in Khammam took place recently. While thousands of applications were filed across the State, the doctor’s single entry turned out to be successful. District Collector Anudeep personally handed over the official allocation certificate to the doctor, marking the formal award of the licence. Locals described the outcome as “a stroke of luck,” given that such single-application wins are extremely rare in the current allotment cycle.
Dual Roles Raise Eyebrows
The doctor, who has long been offering medical treatment to patients, will now also operate a liquor outlet. The coincidence of selling both māndu (medicine) and māndu (liquor) has sparked discussion locally. While some have taken it humorously, others have questioned whether holding both roles aligns with professional ethics in the medical field.
Medical Council Likely to Examine Case
The Telangana Medical Council, which has been actively monitoring unregistered and irregular RMP practices, may examine the case. The Council has, in the past, taken disciplinary action against practitioners engaged in non-medical commercial ventures. It remains to be seen whether the body will initiate proceedings or inspect the doctor’s clinic following this development.
High Demand for Liquor Shop Licenses
This year, the State received 95,137 applications for 2,620 liquor outlets — an average of 36 applications per shop. In several districts, syndicates were reportedly formed by traders submitting multiple applications under different names. However, luck favoured a few, including individuals who applied only once. In Karimnagar, one such applicant was reportedly moved to tears after winning a shop despite submitting a single form among 34 applications.
Re-Notification for Unfilled Outlets
Officials added that 19 outlets across the State received fewer than ten applications and will be re-notified. The newly allotted liquor shops will be operational from November 2025 to October 2027, under the standard two-year licence period.
Unusual Outcome Sparks Discussion
The Khammam case has drawn attention not only for its statistical rarity but also for its irony. A healthcare professional gaining a liquor licence has become a talking point in both administrative and medical circles, raising broader questions about professional boundaries and governance oversight.
