Wed Feb 12 03:13:25 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh CM Pushes for Health Sector Improvements**
Vijayawada, February 12, 2025 – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has underscored the importance of improving the state’s health infrastructure and accessibility, urging officials to prioritize several key initiatives. At a Ministers and Secretaries Conference on Tuesday, Naidu emphasized the need to boost the state’s ranking in the national health index, stressing that no citizen should suffer due to lack of medical care.
Key initiatives discussed include linking digital health cards via WhatsApp for easier access, completing the construction of medical colleges on schedule, and swiftly implementing medical insurance programs. The government also aims to provide ₹25 lakh insurance coverage per family.
Naidu highlighted the potential collaboration with Bill Gates if the Tata model in Chittoor proves successful. He also stressed maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in public hospitals.
Special Principal Secretary for Medical and Health Krishna Babu provided updates on existing programs, including the NTR Vaidya Seva Scheme (providing treatment to 11.45 lakh people), the introduction of teleconsultation services in villages, and the implementation of electronic health cards. He also noted that the state is expected to receive significant funding from the central government for the National Health Mission (₹1,416.94 crore) and PMJAY (₹520 crore). Further plans include establishing five skill centers and nine cancer care hospitals, and promoting medical tourism through Medicity. The government is working towards issuing digital health cards to every citizen and supporting heart patients under the “Guarantee for Heart” scheme.
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