PNS|Vijayawada
Marking the completion of one year in office, the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh showcased its achievements in the healthcare sector during a press conference held in Vijayawada on Saturday. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav highlighted key reforms and initiatives aimed at transforming the state’s public health infrastructure.
Emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability, the Minister praised medical officers, nurses, paramedical staff, and administrators for their efforts in strengthening the system.
Over the past year, the state implemented more than 30 programmes under the National Health Mission, securing an incentive of Rs 100 crore from the Centre.
The number of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres rose from 3,000 to 3,318, supported by Rs 1,065 crore in funding. The number of Critical Care Blocks increased from 14 to 24. To enhance diagnostic services, the state established 13 Integrated Public Health Labs and equipped government hospitals with over 3,200 diagnostic machines. A pilot project for home-based diagnostics, offering 47 tests through mobile medical units, is being rolled out in Kuppam.
In the past year, 2,362 doctors and 209 support staff were recruited. Additionally, 2.71 crore adults were screened for cancer, while 58 lakh schoolchildren underwent health screenings. Under the STEMI initiative, 2,650 cardiac patients received timely treatment.
Minister Yadav criticised the previous administration for poor implementation and mismanagement of central funds, pointing out that only 14% of the Rs 8,400 crore medical college budget and 17% of the Rs 12,000 crore Nadu-Nedu healthcare programme had been utilised during their tenure.
The Minister also announced the “YogAndhra” event on 21 June, to be held at one lakh locations with participation from over two crore people, promoting health through yoga.
Health Secretary MT Krishna Babu and Commissioner Dr G Veerapandian were also present.
