HYDERABAD: Reiterating his government’s commitment to strengthen the health sector in the state, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday told the Assembly that the Aarogyasri scheme would be expanded and dues cleared, NRI doctors invited to participate in public healthcare, and 10,000 beds added to the state’s medical infrastructure.
He said that Aarogyasri beneficiaries may be referred to teaching hospitals to improve patient inflow and utilisation. The government also plans a platform to enable doctors from the state working abroad to offer services during visits.
On Aarogyasri, Revanth said the government inherited dues of Rs 627 crore as of December 7, 2023, including Rs 240.11 crore to government hospitals and Rs 360.16 crore to private hospitals. Since December 8, 2023, the government has paid Rs 2,408 crore, including Rs 927 crore to government hospitals and Rs 1,480 crore to private hospitals. Dues now stand at Rs 727 crore, and payments are being released regularly, he said.
Pointing out that Aarogyasri coverage has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, he refuted claims that private hospitals are shutting down due to pending payments.
Govt mulls referring Aarogyasri cases to teaching hospitals
Such allegations are misleading, Revanth asserted, pointing out that patient numbers under the scheme have increased.
On teaching hospitals, he said there are 35 medical colleges but patient inflow remains low. The government is considering routing Aarogyasri cases to these hospitals and allocating additional funds, including from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, he said.
Group-1 level officers will be appointed to manage administration and infrastructure, he added.
On NRI doctors, he said a dedicated platform will be created for doctors from the state working abroad to register and contribute during visits. They may offer short-term services in hospitals, interact with medical students, and share expertise in complex treatments.
On infrastructure, he said 10,000 additional beds will be created. TIMS hospitals in Alwal, LB Nagar, Sanathnagar and Warangal will be developed as specialised centres. A new Osmania Hospital is being built at Goshamahal on 30 acres at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore.
The chief minister also said the government was considering a life insurance scheme for all families, with Indiramma Life Insurance proposed for around 1.15 crore families.
On the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, he alleged irregularities under the previous BRS government and said an online system has been introduced to prevent misuse. So far, Rs 2,046 crore has been disbursed under the CMRF.
He said the government has spent around Rs 4,500 crore on healthcare for the poor, including Aarogyasri and CMRF allocations.