PNS|Vijayawada
Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav has stated that a significant number of complaints related to revenue matters are being received, many of which arise from alleged land encroachments and administrative lapses during the previous government’s tenure.
The Minister made these remarks while participating in the ‘Vaaradhi’ public grievance redressal programme held at the BJP state office, where he received petitions from members of the public.
Addressing the media, he said the coalition government is giving top priority to resolving public grievances. He added that, under the directions of BJP State President Daggubati Purandeswari, the complaints are being systematically addressed through the Vaaradhi initiative. Minister Satya Kumar said numerous issues concerning land encroachments and revenue department irregularities have emerged due to the misdeeds of the previous administration. He alleged that certain leaders from the former regime remain involved in unlawful land grabbing and assured that inquiries have been initiated into such cases. “The coalition government will ensure justice is delivered to the complainants,” he asserted.
On complaints related to employee transfers, the Minister stated that all decisions would be made following government norms.
During the programme, Dr Vemula Bhanu Prakash, Chairman of the Medical Practitioners Council, submitted a memorandum regarding concerns in the Ayurveda and AYUSH sectors.
Dr Bhanu Prakash highlighted that the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, 1954 does not apply to Ayurvedic medicines, referring to Section 3A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which governs Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems, while Section 3B applies to Allopathy. He urged the government to implement Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to regulate Ayurvedic advertisements in the state.
He also cited National Health Mission (NHM) guidelines and requested the inclusion of Ayurvedic doctors in Primary Health Centres, particularly in locations with vacant allopathic posts. The Minister responded positively, stating the NHM implementation would be reviewed for Andhra Pradesh.
Further, a request was made to fill permanent Ayurvedic doctor vacancies in the AYUSH department, to which the Minister expressed a favourable response.
It was also urged that a special Government Order be issued permitting Ayurvedic PG doctors trained in Shalya and Shalakya to perform 58 surgeries, as allowed by the 2020 Central Gazette notification. The Minister said the AYUSH Director would be asked to submit the necessary proposals.
The event was attended by BJP State General Secretary Bitra Sivanarayana, party leader Uppalapati Srinivas Raju, and district president Adduri Sri Ram, among others.
