Andhra Pradesh Health and Medical Education Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Saturday assured complete support from the state government for the development of AIIMS-Mangalagiri, describing the premier institute as a future jewel in the rapidly emerging capital region of Amaravati.

Addressing the 8th Foundation Day celebrations held at the AIIMS campus in Mangalagiri, the minister said the coalition government is committed to strengthening the institution’s infrastructure and healthcare services. He announced that efforts are underway to allocate the remaining 10 acres of land, in addition to the existing 190 acres, which would enable the establishment of advanced facilities including trauma care services.

Criticising the previous government, the minister said even basic amenities such as drinking water were not adequately provided to AIIMS. He credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s continuous efforts for transforming Amaravati into a world-class capital and said AIIMS would play a vital role in the region’s healthcare ecosystem.

The minister highlighted significant improvements in government hospitals across the state over the last 19 months. Despite receiving lower budgets compared to AIIMS, which gets nearly Rs. 500 crore annually, state teaching hospitals operate with around Rs. 150 crore each, yet continue to deliver quality medical care, he said.

He stated that implementation of a 30-point healthcare agenda has resulted in a 8-12 per cent increase in outpatient, inpatient and diagnostic services. Unauthorized absenteeism among doctors has reduced, timely promotions are being ensured, free medicines are being supplied, diagnostic facilities expanded, and efforts are underway to increase institutional deliveries in government hospitals.

Responding to criticism over the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for medical colleges, the minister dismissed what he termed as misleading propaganda. He clarified that ownership and administrative control of PPP-run government medical colleges would remain entirely with the state government.

The event was attended by Padma Shri Dr. Nalini Parthasarathy, Dr. R.S. Rathore of Combined Combat Medical Services, AIIMS Executive Director Dr. A.S. Singh, NTR University of Health Sciences Vice-Chancellor Dr. Chandrasekhar, and AIIMS Governing Body Chairman Major General Tapan Kumar Singh, among others.