VIJAYAWADA: Speakers at the Praja Arogya Vedika seminar emphasised that a health care system should be designed to provide well-being for all citizens. They also stressed that family relationships remain strong only when unity is combined with emotional management.
The seminar was organised at the MB Science Centre, Vijayawada, to mark the death anniversary of Dr Amit Sen Gupta, founder of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan. The event was presided over by senior physician and NTR district honorary president Dr Surapaneni Sudhakar.
District honorary president of Praja Arogya Vedika, Dr Mamidi Seetharama Rao, recalled Dr Sen Gupta’s relentless efforts at both national and international levels to address public health issues. He highlighted Gupta’s work on policy reforms, patents, and drug quality, noting his lifelong mission of ‘Health for All.’
Prominent cardiologist Dr A Poornanand spoke on “Challenges and Solutions in Andhra Pradesh Health Care System.” He praised Praja Arogya Vedika’s commitment to public health, while pointing out that lack of awareness has led patients to distrust qualified doctors and rely instead on untrained advice.
Pediatrician Dr G Surendra stressed the need for greater public awareness about diseases and medical care. He observed that while the poor often cannot afford treatment, even the middle class struggles to access proper healthcare due to a lack of knowledge.
Praja Arogya Vedika State General Secretary T Kameswara Rao criticised the government’s neglect of expert recommendations to allocate six percent of GDP to healthcare. He warned that privatization under the PPP model would harm society, as the majority of people depend on public sector medical services.
Renowned psychiatrist and writer Dr Indla Ramasubbareddy cautioned that rising mental health issues are weakening family and social bonds. He noted the alarming increase in addictions, from alcohol and tobacco to drugs like cannabis, as well as mobile phone dependency and online trading habits.
He emphasised that emotional management is the key to overcoming these challenges. He urged governments to eradicate drugs and advised parents to spend quality time with children to prevent harmful habits.
The seminar was inaugurated by general secretary G Vijay Prakash. It was coordinated by leaders of Praja Arogya Vedika including Leela, PRK Reddy, Ramavatram, and G Durga.