Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, laid the foundation stone for a critical care block and a Biosafety Level-III laboratory in the Old Government General Hospital (GGH) in Vijayawada. The construction of these facilities is estimated to cost Rs 25 crore. Additionally, he inaugurated seven Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHL) that will be established in different districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya stated that these new facilities will enhance the healthcare infrastructure of Andhra Pradesh and help address any health emergencies. He congratulated the beneficiaries and emphasized the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare infrastructure and services for the well-being of the people.
The Union Health Minister highlighted the holistic approach taken by the Union Government towards healthcare. They are not only upgrading and expanding healthcare infrastructure but also creating more medical and nursing colleges to meet the demand for medical professionals. He mentioned that the number of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has increased to 23, and the number of MBBS and nursing seats in the country has doubled.
Dr Mandaviya stressed the importance of collaboration between the Centre and states to fulfill the healthcare needs of the country. He appreciated Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s focus on the health sector and commended Health Minister Vidadala Rajini and the health department for their efforts in improving healthcare.
The Union Minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, which led to the construction of approximately 1.70 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres. He also mentioned the establishment of 350 medical colleges across the country in the past nine-and-a-half years. The wellness centers in villages are connected to district hospitals and AIIMS.
Dr Mandaviya mentioned that people in rural areas have free access to specialist services through teleconsultation, with around four lakh people utilizing this service on average. Under Ayushman Bharat, patients receive free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh.
