Sat Jun 28 10:01:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Andhra Pradesh Appoints New Public Health Director Amid Department Overhaul**

**Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – June 28, 2025** – Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Satya Kumar Yadav, has approved the appointment of Dr. Padma Sasidhar as the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, effective immediately. The announcement comes amidst a significant overhaul of the state’s health department, which has seen the transfer of over 7,000 healthcare and supporting staff.

Dr. Sasidhar, formerly the Regional Director of Public Health in Rajamahendravaram, will replace K. Padmavathi in the Director role. The appointment is part of Minister Yadav’s efforts to optimize healthcare delivery across the state.

In addition to the Director appointment, the Minister has approved the transfer of 33 additional healthcare staff to further improve medical service provision.

However, acknowledging critical staffing shortages in certain areas, particularly rural hospitals, Minister Yadav has also stalled the transfers of six doctors at the request of District Collectors from Anantapur, Bapatla, and Vizianagaram. In Rayadurgam Area Hospital (Anantapur district) for example, only 6 out of 23 required doctors are currently working. The transfers of three of those doctors have been suspended due to a lack of replacements willing to fill the positions. Similar situations in Chirala Area Hospital (Prakasam district) and Salur Area Hospital (Vizianagaram district) have also resulted in the continuation of existing doctors in their roles.

Further personnel changes include the appointment of M. Haimavati, from the Visakhapatnam Government Hospital for Mental Care, as the Anakapalle District Medical and Health Officer. K. Arjun Rao, formerly Joint Director in the Office of the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, has been transferred to serve as the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) in the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation.

These changes mark a significant reshuffling of Andhra Pradesh’s healthcare leadership and workforce, aimed at ensuring effective and equitable healthcare access for all citizens. The Minister’s actions reflect a commitment to addressing critical staffing gaps while implementing a broader strategy for improved healthcare delivery.

**###**

Read More