Chief Minister announced an additional Rs.4,000 per month over their regular salary

The NTR Health Scheme, which currently offers free treatment for 3,257 medical conditions to 1.43 crore families (4.3 crore individuals), will transition to an insurance-based model

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu approved the purchase of 190 new ambulances to replace the existing fleet of 108 service vehicles, many of which have exceeded their operational lifespan.

The aging fleet includes 54 ambulances that have clocked over 5 lakh kilometers, 65 vehicles that have covered over 4 lakh kilometers, and 71 vehicles that have run between 2.5 to 4 lakh kilometers. The replacement of these vehicles will cost an estimated Rs.60 crore.

All emergency healthcare services will now be handled by a single service provider. This decision is expected to enhance efficiency and ensure seamless service delivery across the state.

Acknowledging the long working hours (12-hour shifts) of 108 ambulance drivers and staff, the Chief Minister announced an additional Rs.4,000 per month over their regular salary. This decision reinstates the financial benefits that were reduced under the previous administration.

To address the shortage of vehicles for transporting the deceased, the government will introduce 58 new Maha Prasthanam vehicles. This initiative, aimed at helping grieving families, will cost Rs.9.45 crore annually. The Chief Minister also directed officials to curb the activities of “ambulance mafias” operating near hospitals, emphasizing strict action against exploitative practices.

The 104 services, which were previously weakened, are set to be revamped. The government plans to reintroduce lab technicians in these vehicles, equipped with microscopes and diagnostic kits to conduct basic tests in rural areas.

Naidu suggested leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare to improve service delivery. The NTR Health Scheme, which currently offers free treatment for 3,257 medical conditions to 1.43 crore families (4.3 crore individuals), will transition to an insurance-based model. Under the scheme, families currently receive health coverage of up to Rs.25 lakh annually. Moving to an insurance framework will ensure better quality healthcare services, officials said.

The Chief Minister approved plans to divide the state into two operational units for implementing the insurance model. Both public and private sector insurance companies will be involved in managing the scheme. This new model, however, will exclude government employees, focusing solely on existing beneficiaries of the NTR Health Scheme.

As part of the state’s healthcare reforms, Chief Minister Naidu instructed officials to set up Janaushadhi medical stores in every mandal.