Efforts to ensure better healthcare yielding positive results in Andhra Pradesh, says Health Minister Satya Kumar
In a five-page report submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the performance of the department, Mr. Satya Kumar, who had taken charge on June 16, 2024, said these efforts were reflected in increased accountability of those involved in the health sector, regular monitoring and quantification of performance at all levels.
In the report that was submitted on June 16 and released to the media on Tuesday, the Minister wrote that at first, he had noticed high degree of absenteeism on the part of doctors, para-medical and other supporting staff, lack of accountability and performance.
'Much of these have seen improvement, including attendance, volume of outpatient and inpatient services, public perception about government hospitals,' he noted.
The Minister reported to the Chief Minister about large-scale irregularities in governance, including recruitments, during the tenure of the previous government. To support his statement, he referred to the selection lists at the district level being prepared by some Ministers instead of by the Collectors concerned.
'Zero political interference'
'The present government has taken up recruitment of over 8,000 doctors and other health professionals during the last one year, with zero political interference and without any other considerations. Tenders for various works and procurement are being decided strictly as per stipulated procedure,' the Minister said.
Mr. Satya Kumar said performance monitoring and incentivising good work had been given priority, while postings and transfers of District Medical and Health Officers, District Coordinators of Health Services, Superintendents of Government General Hospitals and principals of Government Medical Colleges had been done in an unbiased manner.
Central funds
'The efforts have resulted in increased scale of sanction of funds and facilities,' he said. Listing them out, the Minister said the Centre had sanctioned 3,318 buildings for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at a cost of ₹1,065 crore, 10 Critical Care Blocks, 13 Integrated Public Health Labs, ₹80 crore for AYUSH services, ₹90 crore for strengthening food quality testing laboratories, etc.
The Minister added that the Central government also released ₹100 crore as Performance Incentive for effective implementation of National Health Mission (NHM) in the State.
More needs to be done to realise 'Arogyandhrapradesh', Mr. Satya Kumar said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister calls for Indianisation of industry
Minister for Medical and Health Satya Kumar Yadav has emphasised the need for 'Indianisation' of the industry, calling for the reflection of Indian philosophy and thought in the products and services offered by Indian enterprises. Speaking at the valedictory session of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) — the trade union arm of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — here on Sunday, Mr. Yadav recalled the Sangh's slogan 'Desa Hitham, Parisrama Hitham, Karmika Hitham', which translates to the well-being of the nation, the industry, and the worker. He said Indian industries must strive to meet global standards while remaining rooted in national values and sought the cooperation of 'right-thinking workers' to realise this vision. He also urged workers to support the smooth functioning and growth of industries. Adulterated cooking oil Meanwhile, the BJP's Tirupati unit submitted a memorandum to the Minister, demanding action to curb the rampant sale of adulterated cooking oil in the temple city, which it said posed a serious threat to public health. District BJP president Samanchi Srinivas, in the memorandum, alleged that unlabelled and fake brands of cooking oil were being sold without any quality checks, particularly in areas with a high floating population and concentration of street food vendors — such as Indira Priyadarshini market, Bairagipatteda, Tirupati railway station, and Renigunta bus station. He warned that consumption of such oil could leasd to gastric irritation, indigestion, heart ailments, liver disorders, and even cancer. Mr. Srinivas also criticised the inaction surrounding the Food Safety on Wheels vehicle, allotted to the district under a Union government initiative in 2023. The mobile testing unit, meant to monitor food safety standards, continues to lie unused and idle at the Collectorate complex, he lamented.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
The puberty talk: When to talk, what to talk, and the challenges, according to experts
A recent poll highlights the challenges parents face when discussing puberty with their children, revealing varied approaches and anxieties. Many parents are unsure about the right age to begin the conversation, with some feeling embarrassed or ill-equipped. Experts recommend starting early, being proactive, and utilizing resources to guide children through physical and emotional changes. Talking to kids about puberty is important. But when and how to start the conversation is a grey area for many parents. A new poll has looked deep into the challenges parents face about having 'the puberty talk' with their children. When to start the conversation According to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, some of the common challenges that parents face are: choosing the right age to talk about the changes in their children's bodies, and also sex education. The poll found that parents are equally split in thinking it's best to start talking about puberty before age 10, at age 10, or when children are older. 'It's easy to assume a child is too young for conversations about puberty, but many parents are surprised to find their tween already showing signs of puberty or asking unexpected questions about body changes. Starting the conversation early gives parents a chance to shape the message in an age-appropriate way and help kids know what to expect, so they're not confused or anxious. If parents don't open the door to these talks, kids may get their information elsewhere, like from classmates, social media, or what they see on TV,' Mott Poll Co-Director Sarah Clark, M.P.H. , said, in a statement. The polls also found the kinds of approaches, worries, and gaps parents have in their tweens for this major stage of development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo About half of the parents said their approach to the puberty talk was 'proactive'. Two in five had the conversation only when asked. Surprisingly, 5% of the parents avoided the conversation altogether. One in five parents was worried about feeling embarrassed about having the conversation. One in six said they were anxious about saying the wrong thing. Among parents of children aged 10-12, a quarter said their child didn't want to talk about puberty. Parents of those aged 7-9, nearly a third, believed the kids were too young to understand. What to talk During the puberty talk, nearly half of the parents shared their puberty experiences with their children. Less than one-third of the parents shared that they have had the puberty conversation with their children. However, more than a third of the parents revealed that their parents never had this conversation with them. 'Whether they realize it or not, parents may bring their own experiences into their parenting approach. Many parents said they had little or no discussion of puberty when they were young. If puberty was treated as an awkward or embarrassing subject growing up, that can make it harder to know how to begin,' Clark said. How much to talk about puberty Source: CS Mott Children's Hospital National Poll an Children's Health, 2025 The poll revealed that parents have some common challenges, such as whether, when, and how much to talk about sex and reproduction. 'Early conversations should focus on making kids aware that they will experience physical and emotional changes , and reassuring them that those changes are normal. Discussions about sex can occur over time,' Clark said. Clark also recommended that parents look for resources such as parenting books on how to talk to kids. Annual check-ups may also be a good opportunity for both parents and children to learn about puberty-related changes and ask the doctor questions. Recognizing puberty signs The poll revealed that about half of the parents were confident that they could recognise signs of puberty in their children. 60% of parents of children aged 10-12, and 17% parents of children aged 7-9 were able to notice these changes. However, fewer than a third of parents weren't sure what changes to look for. No more guesswork: Doctor busts common myths about women's health Some parents said that their children asked about their bodies, their parents' bodies, or other puberty-related topics. Clark added that parents should be open to discussing when such moments arise. For instance, when the child asks questions about puberty. 'Puberty isn't just about physical changes — it's also a time of emotional disruption, which can make open communication challenging. Many tweens feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking with their parents about these changes. To help ease the discomfort, some parents may give their child an age-appropriate book or video about puberty and allow the child to explore the topic privately. Often, that leads to additional discussion with parents,' Clark added. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Jharkhand minister Ramdas Soren suffers ‘serious brain injury' after fall in bathroom, airlifted to AIIMS Delhi
Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren has been critically injured after slipping and falling in the bathroom on Saturday, Cabinet minister Irfan Ansari said. As per an official note shared by Ansari, Soren suffered a serious brain injury and blood clot, and is being airlifted to Delhi's Apollo Hospital for emergency treatment. Ansari, who holds the Health, Food Supply and Disaster Management portfolios in the Jharkhand government, posted an appeal for prayers, saying, 'Our companion, a true supporter of the poor and a strong voice of the Adivasi society, Education Minister Ramdas Soren's condition suddenly worsened. He has suffered a serious brain injury and blood clot after a fall in the bathroom. I am in constant touch and monitoring his situation. I request you all from the heart to pray for his speedy recovery.' Meanwhile, in the midst of rising speculation and reports, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Tanuj Khatri urged the public and press to exercise restraint and wait for information from official channels. 'It is not right to speculate at this moment. The minister's condition is extremely serious, but no official statement has been issued by the party or the government. The media and citizens should refrain from spreading unverified news,' he said. Soren's condition deteriorated at the Jamshedpur hospital where he was undergoing treatment. He was later airlifted to the national capital for advanced treatment. Adding to this, the Deputy Commissioner of Jamshedpur, Karn Satyarthi, condemned false reports suggesting the minister's death. 'It is absolutely incorrect to report that the Education Minister has passed away. He is extremely critical but very much alive. Just five minutes ago, I confirmed with people who are present with him. He has left the airport and is on his way to Apollo Hospital in Delhi. he should be reaching there any moment now. I urge everyone, especially media platforms, to refrain from spreading unverified information. As of now, the minister is alive and undergoing treatment,' said Satyarthi. Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More
