CM Jagan-led Cabinet Approves Key Initiatives for Healthcare and Welfare

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, made several key decisions during its meeting at the Secretariat on Friday.

The Cabinet approved the proposal to launch the second phase of Jagananna Arogya Suraksha from January 1. It also decided to enhance the limit for free medical treatment under YSR Aarogyasri to Rs. 25 lakh, extending it to all individuals with an annual income up to Rs. 5 lakh, benefiting 90% of families.

On December 18, the Chief Minister will launch the enhanced Aarogyasri scheme and distribute new Aarogyasri cards. YSRCP MLAs, along with health workers, will participate in a public awareness campaign on how to utilize the free medical treatment for 3257 ailments and procedures covered under Aarogyasri, which has been allocated Rs. 4400 crore for the year.

The Cabinet also approved the proposal to pay Rs. 300 towards charges for patients who revisit hospitals for re-consultation after undergoing treatment under Arogyasri. Additionally, the Cabinet decided to implement door delivery of WHO standard medicines to all undergoing treatment. People will be encouraged to download the Aarogyasri App, and health teams, with the help of secretariat staff, will assist in this initiative.

Starting January 1, the Cabinet decided to increase the monthly social pension from Rs. 2750 to Rs. 3000. It will also distribute Rs. 6394 crore towards the fourth and final tranche of YSR Asara from Jan 10 to 23 and YSR Cheyuta to beneficiaries from January 29 to February 10. The hiked pensions will be distributed from January 1 to 8.

The Cabinet approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Visakhapatnam Light Metro Project. It also decided to begin distributing 4,35,000 tablets worth Rs. 638 crore to class 8 students from December 21, coinciding with the Chief Minister's birthday. These tablets will be equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools.

Apart from approving reforms in the granting of caste and income certificates, the Cabinet decided to establish an Additional District Sessions Court at Tadepalligudem in West Godavari district. It also approved a 15 percent increase in DA for police personnel involved in anti-Naxal operations. DA and DR will be paid to working and retired court staff on par with central Government staff.

Cricketer Ambati Rayudu and other sportspersons will be appointed as brand ambassadors for the sports festival 'Adudam Andhra,' which has received 1.14 crore registrations so far. The festival will run for 51 days.

The Cabinet approved the proposal to appoint 293 doctors and other staff in the super specialty blocks of the 300-bed Kadapa Government Hospital. It also plans to fill 18 posts of head nurses and nursing superintendents in Guntur General Hospital and 95 posts in the new medical colleges at Vizianagaram, Rajamahendravaram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, and Nandyala.

Furthermore, the Cabinet decided to introduce Nephrology and Neurology Departments in 11 medical colleges and recruit 287 nephrologists, neurologists, and other necessary staff. Oncology departments will be established in Srikakulam, Kakinada, Vijayawada, Ongole, Nellore, Tirupati, and Anantapuram medical colleges, with the recruitment of 64 doctors and other staff.

The Cabinet also decided to upgrade the 50-bed hospital at Cheepurupally in Vizianagaram district to a 100-bed hospital. Additionally, it allotted 11.25 acres of land to the Bangalore-based TISB international school and allocated necessary land to the Tourism department for tourism-based projects.

The Cabinet extended condolences for the death of MLC Shaik Sabjee in a road mishap and observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect.