Announces new medical college at Markapuram

Andhra Pradesh has filled 90% of sanctioned doctor posts in tribal Primary Health Centres (PHCs), State Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

Speaking during Question Hour, he said the government is prioritizing healthcare access in rural and tribal areas by addressing vacancies caused by retirements and resignations. “Since the new government took charge, 306 civil assistant surgeon posts have been sanctioned across 153 PHCs in tribal regions. Of the 138 vacancies, 131 have been filled in five months. Recruitment for the remaining 31 is ongoing,” he added.

The Minister also announced plans for a 625-bed medical college in Markapuram under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. “The previous government spent only Rs. 47 crore, leaving hospitals understaffed. The PPP model ensures a full-scale teaching hospital,” he said.

Around 250 in-service doctors currently pursuing post-graduation will return by November and be posted to hospitals needing staff. He added that hospitals in Kanigiri, Kovvur, and Buchireddypalem will also be strengthened.

On the critical care front, the state is offering free STEMI injections worth Rs. 45,000 to heart attack patients. “Nearly 4,000 lives have been saved through this initiative, although providing such treatment at PHCs remains difficult due to a lack of specialists,” he noted.