AP witnessins unprecedented transformation in healthcare
Visakhapatnam: In a major boost to public healthcare, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav inaugurated corporate-level medical services to the poor and marginalised sections.
Addressing a gathering here on Sunday, he highlighted the notable transformation of the healthcare sector over the past two years, describing it as an era of unprecedented growth and innovation.
The minister, alongside District Collector Abhishikth Kishore, inaugurated several development initiatives at the Chest and Communicable Diseases Hospital, including the cutting-edge Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) machine. He mentioned that the advanced diagnostic technology is the first of its kind in Telugu states, marking a revolutionary step forward in pulmonary care and ensuring that people in the region gain access to world-class medical diagnostics closer to home.
Painting an optimistic picture of progress, the minister stated that outpatient and inpatient services in government hospitals have gone up. At the chest hospital alone, outpatient visits have risen from 35,000 in 2023 to an impressive 45,000 by 2025, while major surgeries have nearly doubled from 359 to 649, an achievement he attributed to the tireless dedication of doctors and healthcare staff.
In an innovative move, Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in the country to implement free cancer screening across its entire population, mentioned Satya Kumar Yadav. Advanced cancer care centres have already been established in key cities such as Kurnool, Visakhapatnam, Kadapa, and Guntur. Going forward, the government aims to complete comprehensive cancer centers in Kakinada and Anantapur in the coming financial year, he informed.
Further, the minister highlighted the massive expansion of financial support under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme, with the payment limit soaring from Rs.6 lakh to Rs.3.76 crore. It is reflecting the growing trust people place in government hospitals and medical professionals.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare, the minister informed that a new dialysis machine is being made available every three days once across the state, increasing the total from 550 to 725, offering renewed hope to kidney patients.
In an ambitious step, the upcoming Universal Health Scheme aims to provide free medical coverage of up to Rs.25 lakh per family.
Speaking on the occasion, District Collector Abhishikth Kishore stated that the introduction of advanced technologies in government hospitals is equal to the ones provided in corporate healthcare institutions, ensuring that even the poor receive top-tier treatment. He expressed confidence that Visakhapatnam would emerge as a model city in the healthcare sector, setting benchmarks for the entire nation.
He also emphasised that the newly installed equipment marks a milestone in pulmonary medicine and called for its optimal utilisation to expand diagnostic and treatment services.
The Collector informed that they are actively working to mobilise additional resources through CSR initiatives and forge partnerships with national and international organisations to elevate Visakhapatnam into a global healthcare hub.
NTR Medical Service Chairman Seethamraju Sudhakar, Chest Hospital Superintendent Sunil Kumar, Andhra Medical College Principal Sandhya Rani, KGH Superintendent I Vani, DMHO Jagadeeswara Rao and other medical experts participated in this programme.
