CM firm on ‘Healthy AP’

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphasised that adopting healthy food habits and lifestyle changes can significantly improve overall health. He underlined the importance of regular exercise, yoga, and meditation for better health outcomes. A daily 30-minute walk and a focus on spirituality can help reduce stress, he added. Yoga, which is India’s heritage, is now being embraced across the globe. He said that avoiding tobacco, drugs, and alcohol could substantially lower the risk of cancer, liver, and kidney problems. The Chief Minister recommended cutting down on junk food and polished rice while promoting the consumption of millet, unpolished rice, fibre-rich foods, and vegetables.
Addressing media persons at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister presented district-wise health reports and reiterated his vision of transforming the State into a “Healthy Andhra Pradesh.” He stated that the Government is working towards building a Healthy, Wealthy, and Happy Andhra.
He opined that for a family of four, 600 grams of salt per month is sufficient for good health. He recommended that oil consumption be limited to two litres and sugar intake to not more than three kilograms per month, warning that excessive consumption of these items could lead to health complications.
Suggesting that food should be consumed in smaller portions across multiple times in a day, the Chief Minister said that reducing salt intake alone could lower the risk of heart attacks by 40 per cent. Referring to initiatives in other States, he noted that the Kerala Government has introduced sugar-free meals in schools, and Tamil Nadu is supplying glucose test strips free of cost at ration shops.
In Andhra Pradesh, gas stoves have been distributed to Anganwadis under the Clean Cookstoves Scheme, he said. Controlling mosquito-borne threats can help prevent many diseases, he observed. The Nutriful App, developed by the NTR Trust, has already won a SKOCH award, with four lakh users actively engaging with it, he added.
He stressed the need to raise awareness among farmers to adopt natural farming practices. The State Government is also considering introducing food habit education in school curricula.
Highlighting healthcare initiatives, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh is leading in the implementation of Ayushman Bharat health accounts, with nearly 88 per cent of the population already covered.
A Digital Nerve Centre is being set up in Kuppam as a pilot project, with Chittoor district to be covered in Phase 2, and the entire State in Phase 3.
The Government aims to establish virtual hospitals within 26 months, store health records in DigiLocker, and track individual health from childhood. Health alerts will be issued to predict risks, mobile medical vans will enable home testing, and doctors will be accessible both online and offline.
With support from Tata and the Gates Foundation, the State will adopt world-class healthcare technologies and practices. Each constituency will have a 100- to 300-bed multi-speciality hospital.
A global-level Mega Medicity will be developed in Amaravati under a public-private partnership. The Centre is also planning to establish 25 Medicities across India, with discussions underway to locate one in Amaravati. The proposed Medicity will span 200 acres—100 acres for healthcare services, 40 for residential use, and 20 for commercial purposes. This initiative, jointly managed by the Health Department and CRDA, will also promote health tourism, the Chief Minister said.