The Andhra Pradesh government is committed to providing quality healthcare to the people, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said, adding that the aim is to ensure a ‘healthy, wealthy and happy’ society.
Mr. Naidu inaugurated KIMS Sikhara Hospital in Guntur on Wednesday.
Accusing the previous YSRCP government of ‘neglecting’ the healthcare sector, Mr. Naidu said, “We are putting in every effort to improve the living standards of people and provide quality healthcare services to the poor. Our government is implementing various initiatives to achieve an ‘Aarogya Andhra Pradesh’ (Healthy Andhra Pradesh), which includes digital health card initiative for citizens.”
Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen health infrastructure, Mr. Naidu pointed out to the challenges faced by AIIMS, Mangalagiri during the YSRCP’s tenure. “The AIIMS, Mangalagiri struggled even for water supply and the issue was promptly resolved immediately after we assumed office,” he said.
“Despite AIIMS, Mangalagiri being a major healthcare project funded by the Central government at ₹1,618 crore, the previous YSRCP government did not even provide water for its functioning,” he added.
Praising the growth of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Mr. Naidu recalled his association with its founder Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao.
“I inaugurated the first hopsital of KIMS in Nellore in 2000. Today, the hospital chain has 5,000 beds in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala. The institution has achieved a market value of ₹25,000 crore, setting a benchmark in the healthcare sector,” he said.
Mr. Naidu noted the KIMS’ advancements in technology, such as robotic knee replacement and advanced oncology treatments. “The KIMS has set an example of reliability in healthcare industry by delivering on its promises,” he said.
Health awareness
Urging people to focus on preventive healthcare, Mr. Naidu emphasised the need for lifestyle changes to reduce dependence on medical treatment. “Health awareness is crucial. If we improve our lifestyle, many diseases can be avoided. ,” he said.
He stressed the importance of data in the healthcare sector. “Healthcare data will play a key role globally. KIMS possesses a vast amount of data, positioning it to lead in healthcare innovation,” he said.
AI, green energy initiatives
Mr. Naidu also highlighted the State’s initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and green energy. “I was the first to promote IT in undivided Andhra Pradesh in 1995. Today, I am advocating AI as this technology will dominate the future. Every citizen should learn to use it ,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced plans to make Andhra Pradesh a hub of green energy, with solar panels being installed on rooftops and urban sanitation efforts intensified.
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav urged the Chief Minister to consider a proposal to provide jobs on a contract basis to the family members of organ doners in the State.
The number of organ donations have increased in the last seven months, he said.
Ministers K. Atchannaidu, P. Narayana, Nimmala Rama Naidu were also present.
