With the addition of new vehicles, the number of 108 ambulances will touch 1,108.
VIJAYAWADA: The enhanced number of medical procedures under the YSR Aarogyasri scheme will be implemented only from October 15 due to certain technical reasons, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy told a review meeting of senior health department officials on Friday.
The chief minister had announced in the recently concluded Assembly session that procedures would be increased to 3,254 from the existing 2,446, and that they would be provided from October 5.
The expenditure on Aarogyasri has now tripled from what it was during the tenure of the previous government, Jagan told the officials. Plans are afoot to roll out 432 new 104 mobile medical units by December. With the addition of new vehicles, the number of 108 ambulances will touch 1,108.
Detailing the spending, he revealed that the government has pumped in Rs 2,500 crore for Aarogyasri for adding more procedures, and `300 crore for Arogya Asara. Besides, Rs 400 crore was spent for 104 and 108 vehicles.
Briefing the chief minister, the officials said 12 types of diagnostic kits and 67 types of medicines have been made available in village clinics, besides Covid-19 kits. Jagan urged them to conduct a monthly audit to ensure adequate staff in hospitals, and report it to higher officials.
Increase patient diet charges: CM directs officials
Filling up any vacancy immediately should be a constant process, Jagan said, while asking them to consider the setting up of a Medical Recruitment Board. He also instructed officials to increase patient diet charges to `100 per day. Construction of new medical colleges and works on Urban Health Clinics must be completed by November, he added.
Highlighting the State’s strong healthcare, officials said Andhra Pradesh has bagged six out of the 10 Ayushman Utkrishtata Puraskaar (Awards) given by the Centre. Minister for Medical and Health Vidadala Rajani, Chief Secretary Sameer Sharrma, Medical and Health Principal Secretary MT Krishna Babu, Principal Secretary (Covid Management and Vaccination), M Ravichandra, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner J Nivas, Finance Secretary N Gulzar and others were present.
