C Pradeep Kumar
Vijayawada
The YSRCP-led Andhra Pradesh government, helmed by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has demonstrated a strong commitment to prioritising the healthcare sector. In a noteworthy development, the Aarogyasri healthcare programme in the State has received a substantial increase in financial support, clearly emphasising the government’s dedication to providing quality healthcare services to its residents.
Comparing the expenditure on the Aarogyasri programme during the five-year tenure of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from 2014 to 2019, a total of Rs 5,177.38 crore was allocated, with the highest annual expenditure of Rs 1,299.01 crore occurring in 2018-2019.
However, since assuming office in 2019, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government has significantly boosted financial support for Aarogyasri. Over the past four years, from 2019 to March 2022-2023, the program has witnessed a total expenditure of Rs. 8,610 crores, surpassing the five-year expenditure of the previous administration.
The expenditure during CM Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure is as follows: 2019-2020: Rs 1,572.38 crore, 2020-2021: Rs 1,697.61 crore, 2021-2022: Rs 2,267.93 crore, and for 2022-2023: Rs 3,072.13 crore. This consistent increase in financial allocation underscores the government’s determined efforts to enhance healthcare access and infrastructure throughout Andhra Pradesh. These figures clearly demonstrate the government’s dedication to ensuring that quality healthcare services are accessible to a wider segment of the population.
The surge in Aarogyasri expenditure is expected to yield several positive outcomes, including improved medical facilities, reduced out-of-pocket expenses for citizens, and enhanced overall health indicators. Furthermore, the increased allocation reflects the government’s commitment to addressing healthcare needs arising from various challenges, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Aarogyasri programme, initiated in 2007 by the late Dr. Y.S. Rajashekhar Reddy, aimed to provide free medical care to underprivileged individuals and ensure universal health coverage for the state’s residents.
Revamped Aarogyasri
In 2019, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy revitalised the programme by expanding the network of hospitals, incorporating new medical procedures, and significantly increasing the ceiling limit.
These changes have resulted in a more comprehensive healthcare system for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Notably, the programme now covers an impressive 3,257 medical procedures, including high-end treatments like Bilateral Cochlear Implant Surgery and unlimited cancer treatment without any ceiling limit. Under the ‘Navaratnalu’ Implementation, the government has extended Aarogyasri to other states, empaneling 203 hospitals for super-specialties.
Additionally, financial assistance is provided to the families of patients during the recovery period, and the utilisation limit per family for cancer patients has been removed, ensuring unlimited treatment for those battling cancer.
The surge in Aarogyasri expenditure not only signifies the government’s commitment to the health and well-being of its citizens but also marks a significant step toward a healthier and more prosperous Andhra Pradesh.
