AP Private Hospitals to Suspend Cashless Services under Vaidya Seva

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospital Association (APSHA) has stepped up its efforts to bring attention to the pending dues of ₹3,500 crore owed by the State government under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme. Members of the association, which includes numerous hospitals in the state, have begun meeting with people’s representatives to seek support for resolving the issue.

Earlier, the association had warned that it would suspend all cashless services to beneficiaries under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme, effective from April. The announcement was made on March 8, with the association citing a long-standing problem of unpaid dues that has now reached a staggering Rs 3,500 crore.

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Association president K. Vijay Kumar stated that between March 8 and 31, there had been no response from the State government to the announcement made by them. However, he noted that funds totaling around ₹300 crore were released twice to cover dues. Despite this, he emphasized that this amount represents less than 10% of the total pending amount.

To raise awareness about the growing crisis, APSHA members have intensified their efforts by meeting with local lawmakers and bureaucrats. Speaking to the Hindu, Dr Vijay Kumar said, “Many do not seem to know what is going on. It is true that the previous YSRCP government owed us ₹2,200 crore and the amount later increased to ₹3,500 (out of which ₹300 crore has been cleared). We are helpless and are in no position to continue delivering services to the people.”

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Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that several medical professionals working as Vaidyamitras and Team Leaders under the Dr NTR Vaidyaseva Trust are calling for urgent intervention to address grievances related to cadre allotment, fair pay, and career progression. The employees, who were recruited in 2016 under Government Order (GO) RI No. 28, have appealed to Human Resource Development and IT Minister Nara Lokesh to address their concerns.