Latest news with #Arogyasri
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
2,426 cr Covid fight bill hit state economy hard: Report
1 2 3 Visakhapatnam: The Covid-19 pandemic not only triggered a public health emergency but also imposed significant financial pressure on the Andhra Pradesh exchequer. Between 2019–20 and 2022–23, the state incurred an expenditure of 4,606 crore on various Covid-19 prevention and management measures, according to the CAG report. Andhra Pradesh was among the hardest-hit states, recording over 23 lakh cases—ranking fifth in the country in terms of case load. In response to the emerging crisis, the state ramped up healthcare infrastructure beginning February 2020. Key initiatives included setting up diagnostic labs, expanding testing capacity, procuring medicines and vaccines, strengthening oxygen supply networks, and mobilizing critical medical resources. Although public health is a state responsibility, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provided both technical and financial aid to assist states in managing the pandemic. The Centre introduced the Emergency Covid Response Package (ECRP) to curb transmission and mitigate impact. Under ECRP-I, funds released to Andhra Pradesh in FY 2020–21 were fully borne by the Centre. In 2021–22, the funding was shared between Centre and state in a 60:40 ratio. According to the CAG report, during the four-year period, Andhra Pradesh received a total allocation of 4,961.36 crore (both Central and state share) and spent 4,606 crore. Of this, the state govt on its part spent 2,426.47 crore. GoI's share amounted to 1,876.44 crore, of which 1,612.45 crore was utilised. From the state disaster response fund, 140.95 crore was used out of the allocated 187.87 crore. Meanwhile, 426.13 crore was spent from the district mineral fund, against an allocation of 534.41 crore. At the onset of the pandemic in Feb 2020, Andhra Pradesh had no Covid-19 testing infrastructure. The state responded swiftly by establishing 135 testing laboratories. Until these labs became operational, test samples had to be sent to other states for processing. During the second wave, the state expanded the number of Covid-19 treatment hospitals from 260 in the first wave to over 640. It also ramped up human resources, recruiting 17,300 doctors and support staff during the first wave, and an additional 18,000 medical personnel during the second wave. Notably, Andhra Pradesh became one of the few states in India to achieve 100% double-dose vaccination coverage among eligible population groups. In a major welfare initiative, Andhra Pradesh became the first state in the country to include Covid-19 treatment under its flagship Arogyasri health scheme (now renamed as NTR Vaidya Seva). This decision enabled over 1 lakh patients to receive free inpatient treatment at private hospitals across the state.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health Minister facilitates free heart surgery for eight-year-old from Karnataka
Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha extended a compassionate gesture to a migrant family from Karnataka by facilitating a free life-saving heart surgery for their eight-year-old daughter at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). The child, Aishwarya, who was frequently falling ill, was recently diagnosed with Atrial Septal Defect, a congenital heart condition. Her parents, Chandrakanth and his wife, who work at a hotel and reside in Malakpet, were informed that the surgery would cost at least ₹5 lakh. Lacking financial resources and not possessing an Arogyasri card, ration card, or even a local Aadhaar, the family was left in despair. The couple then approached the Health Minister and explained their plight after which he directed officials to admit the child to NIMS and instructed that the surgery and all related medical care be provided free of cost. Following the Minister's intervention, on July 4, a team of doctors successfully conducted the heart surgery. Aishwarya has since made a full recovery and has been discharged. On Thursday, the family visited the Secretariat to meet the Health Minister and expressed their gratitude.
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
YSR remembered on birth anniversary
Ongole: The YSR Congress Party leaders and cadre celebrated the 76th birth anniversary of the former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy here on Tuesday. YSRCP Prakasam district president and Darsi MLA Dr Buchepalli Siva Prasad Reddy, ZP Chairperson Buchepalli Venkayamma, Ongole in-charge Chunduri Ravi Babu, YSRCP district observer Battula Brahmananda Reddy, and others garlanded the statue of YS Rajasekhara Reddy at the Church Centre here. he leaders said that Rajasekhar Reddy is in the hearts of the poor people and they are celebrating his birthday in every nook and corner of the state by offering floral tributes at his statues. They said that Rajasekhara Reddy had focused on irrigation projects, housing, pensions, Arogyasri, and other welfare programmes. They said that YSR's son, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, had implemented more welfare programmes by treading in the path laid by his father. At the district party office, the YSRCP leaders cut a cake and organised a blood donation camp, celebrating the birth anniversary of the former chief minister.
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Tributes paid to YSR on birth anniversary
Vizianagaram: YSRCP leaders and cadre recalled the services of former chief minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy on his 76th birth anniversary on Tuesday with programmes across all constituencies. In Cheepurupally, ZP chairman and district party Majji Srinivasa Rao led an event, garlanding YSR's statue and recalling the welfare and development initiatives undertaken by the former CM. Party members offered floral tributes to YSR's statue, recognising his efforts to improve the lives of the poor and lay the foundation for state-wide development. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing his vision. Former Deputy Speaker K Veerabhadra Swamy attended the event in Vizianagaram, describing YSR as a leader with compassion and a vision for progress. He recalled the welfare schemes like Arogyasri and fee reimbursement, which significantly improved the lives of the underprivileged. ZP chairman and YSRCP district president Majji Srinivasa Rao paying tributes to YS Rajasekhara Reddy at Cheepurupally on Tuesday
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Telangana sets up monitoring committees for all medical colleges; days after NMC issued show-cause notices
HYDERABAD: Days after the National Medical Commission (NMC) issued show-cause notices to 26 medical colleges in Telangana, the State Department of Health, Medical, and Family Welfare has established Medical College Monitoring Committees (MCMCs) to inspect, assess, and prepare institution-specific plans for all 34 medical colleges in the state. The dept released govt order (GO) 276, dated June 19, announcing the formation of the 10 MCMC committees. The MCMCs have been instructed to prepare a detailed report based on their field visits and submit it by June 30. The district collectors will review the need for contract and outsourced appointments through the District Level Selection Committee (DLSC), assess the performance of service providers (IHFMS, diet services), monitor patient footfall including Arogyasri services, and ensure coordination for cadavers, shuttle bus services, and the utilisation of Hospital Development Society (HDS) funds, among other aspects. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The committees will evaluate the infrastructure of each college in terms of adequacy and functionality. They will inspect buildings, lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and hostels. Additionally, they will assess the functioning of teaching hospitals with regard to bed strength, requirements for additional space, availability of medical equipment, emergency services, and essential utilities. Clinical case load, including in-patient departments (IPDs), operating theatres (OTs), intensive care units (ICUs), and diagnostic services, will also be reviewed periodically.
