Govt to set up one medical college for every Lok Sabha constituency: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister

Vijaywada: Minister for Medical and Health and Family Welfare of Andhra Pradesh, Vidadala Rajini, recently announced that the objective of the State government is to set up one medical college for every Lok Sabha constituency.

This statement comes a few days after the opening of five new medical colleges in the state, with more slated for inauguration in the upcoming academic year. This initiative forms part of a comprehensive plan to establish a total of 17 medical colleges throughout the state. 

On the fifth and final day of the monsoon session of the Assembly, minister Vidadala Rajini delivered this statement in the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Members of the Legislative Council, including Thota Trimurthulu, Duvvada Srinivas, and Mondithoka Arun Kumar, sought clarification on the government's efforts to establish medical colleges in the state and the planned expansion of medical seats.

As per a report in The Hans India, Addressing their question, Rajini revealed that the State government's proposal includes the creation of 17 medical colleges, with five of them already fully operational in Nandyal, Vizianagaram, Rajamahendravaram, Eluru, and Machilipatnam. These colleges collectively contribute 750 medical seats, and she further affirmed that more medical colleges are scheduled for inauguration in the following year.

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She conveyed the State government's mission to establish a medical college in every Lok Sabha constituency, emphasizing their dedication to achieving this objective. Additionally, she pointed out the substantial financial allocation of Rs 8,500 crore dedicated to the construction of 17 medical colleges throughout the State.

In reference to the family doctor concept, the Minister outlined its components, which involve the dispensing of 105 varieties of medications and the conduct of 14 specific tests at Primary Health Centers (PHCs). She further emphasized that this approach will extend medical services to approximately 2.3 crore individuals residing in rural areas.

In her statement, she highlighted the staffing arrangement at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), where two doctors are assigned—one for general duties and another specializing in the family doctor concept. Additionally, she noted that the government has undertaken significant recruitment efforts, bringing in 53,190 staff and doctors within the medical and health department since the YSRCP government took office in 2019.

She emphasized that Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has made medical and health a top priority, spearheading efforts to enhance hospital infrastructure, establish new medical colleges, and introduce the family doctor concept.

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