AP gets record Rs 185.75-crore AYUSH boost

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh has secured its highest-ever annual allocation under the National AYUSH Mission, with the Centre approving Rs 185.75 crore for 2026-27, marking a major push by the coalition government to expand traditional healthcare, particularly in tribal and underserved regions. The approval follows sustained coordination by Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav with the Union government.

The latest allocation takes the total Centre-approved AYUSH funding for Andhra Pradesh during 2024-25 to 2026-27 to Rs  434.64 crore, compared with just Rs  120.17 crore between 2014-15 and 2023-24. No allocations were released under the National AYUSH Mission during 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 under the previous YSRCP government, the state government said.

A major component of the new plan is the expansion of healthcare access in tribal areas. Nineteen mobile medical units will operate across nine ITDA areas, including Rampachodavaram, Chintur, Parvathipuram and Paderu, taking free AYUSH consultations, medicines, preventive-care and nutrition awareness directly to remote communities.

The plan also provides Rs 22.16 crore for free medicines across 712 AYUSH dispensaries and Rs 12.80 crore for modernising 64 dispensaries, including repairs, equipment, furniture, IT infrastructure and AYUSH health-management systems. Healthcare infrastructure is being expanded through six 50-bed integrated AYUSH hospitals, while Rs 38.84 crore has been earmarked to strengthen AYUSH educational institutions.

The government is also developing a Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence in Kadapa and supporting Panchakarma, yoga and wellness facilities. The plan extends beyond conventional dispensary services. Alcohol de-addiction centres will be established in four AYUSH teaching hospitals, while wellness centres are planned at the Secretariat and four major prisons. Digital transformation is another focus, with funding for internet connectivity at 601 dispensaries, laptops for AYUSH medical officers and connectivity for 126 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Telemedicine and digital services are expected to widen access to traditional healthcare. Minister Satyakumar thanked the Centre for approving the record annual plan and said the Chandrababu Naidu-led government would continue prioritizing the expansion of AYUSH services, particularly for rural, tribal and economically underserved populations.