Network hospitals strike as Aarogyasri services grind to a halt!
‘Health’ in Peril… Services Come to a Standstill!
- Network Hospitals on Strike Path… Free Medical Services Halted
- Despite a month’s prior notice, the government remains indifferent.
- Chandrababu’s administration owes Rs. 3,500 crore in dues.
- Even after 26 letters, no response from the authorities.
- For the past five years, a complete assurance for public health.
- Aarogyasri benefited nearly 45 lakh people with over Rs. 13,000 crore.
With the TDP coalition government failing to clear Rs. 3,500 crore in pending dues under the Aarogyasri scheme, network hospitals have resorted to a strike, leading to the suspension of free medical services starting Monday. Aarogyasri (NTR Vaidya Seva), which has been a lifeline for the poor and middle class over the past five years, has been thrown into disarray by the TDP coalition government, forcing patients back into debt for medical care.
Due to the massive pending dues, network hospitals are finding it difficult to sustain operations, prompting the Andhra Pradesh Specialty Hospital Association (ASHA) to issue a strike notice to the government a month ago. They warned that services could not continue unless at least Rs. 1,500 crore was released. Instead of negotiating with the hospitals to ensure uninterrupted services, the coalition government displayed gross negligence. As a result, free medical services for the poor are on the verge of collapse. Notably, ASHA representatives wrote to the government 26 times in less than a year regarding the dues, to no avail.
A First in State History…
Since the coalition government came to power, Chief Minister Chandrababu has systematically weakened Aarogyasri, rendering the scheme ineffective. Payments to network hospitals were stopped, forcing them to turn away patients seeking treatment. Since January 6 this year, hospitals have suspended outpatient services, Employees’ Health Scheme (EHS), and all cashless services under Aarogyasri. For over three months, medical services have been unavailable—a first in Aarogyasri’s history, according to hospital managements. Previously, CM Chandrababu had aimed to shift Aarogyasri from a trust-based system to an insurance model managed by private companies.
A Health Provider…
Former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy prioritized public health, strengthening Aarogyasri and expanding its services. Over five years, nearly 45 lakh people benefited, with over Rs. 13,000 crore disbursed. Additionally, through the YSR Aarogya Asara scheme, over Rs. 1,465 crore was provided as financial support to families post-surgery, ensuring their livelihood wasn’t disrupted during recovery.
Through the Nadu-Nedu initiative, revolutionary changes were brought to the public healthcare sector. Village clinics were established at the grassroots level, while primary health centers (PHCs) to teaching hospitals were fortified. The innovative Family Doctor concept was introduced, and 88 new PHCs were constructed to ensure two PHCs per mandal. While earlier PHCs had just one doctor, the YSRCP government appointed two doctors per PHC. For the first time in state history, the foundation for 17 government medical colleges was laid simultaneously. Over 54,000 posts were filled in the health department under a zero-vacancy policy. While the national shortage of specialist doctors stood at 61%, Andhra Pradesh reduced it to just 6.2%—a remarkable feat.
Clearing Dues, Restoring Confidence…
Between 2014 and 2019, the TDP government crippled Aarogyasri, leaving Rs. 700 crore in dues by the time it stepped down in 2019. The subsequent YSRCP government cleared those dues, standing by the poor for their medical needs. YS Jagan breathed new life into the ailing scheme. Families with an annual income below Rs. 5 lakh were brought under Aarogyasri, providing healthcare assurance to the middle class. From just 1,000 procedures, the scheme was expanded to cover 3,257 procedures. All treatments costing over Rs. 1,000 were included, and the free treatment limit was raised to Rs. 25 lakh. This ensured Aarogyasri’s benefits reached 1.43 crore families across the state.
