Experts Demand Health as Fundamental Right, Oppose Medical College Privatisation in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: A coalition of public health experts, retired officials, and civil society leaders convened in Vijayawada on Sunday, urging the Andhra Pradesh government to recognise health as a fundamental right and strongly opposing any moves towards the privatisation of government medical colleges.

The conference, jointly organised by Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV), Jana Vignana Vedika, and the Kendram, served as a platform to voice concerns over the accessibility and affordability of healthcare in the state. Keynote speakers highlighted the potential negative impacts of privatisation on the general populace, particularly those with lower incomes.

Dr. PV Ramesh, the state’s former Health Secretary, delivered a pointed critique of privatisation trends, warning that such policies, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), were increasingly putting basic healthcare out of reach for ordinary citizens. He advocated for strengthening the public health system, citing Kerala’s healthcare model as a successful example to emulate.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the state’s health budget allocation, which experts pointed out remains below 1.3% of Andhra Pradesh’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Participants argued this level of funding is inadequate to meet the healthcare needs of the population.

Concluding the conference, attendees passed a resolution outlining key demands. These include the immediate enactment of a Right to Health Act in Andhra Pradesh, a substantial increase in state health expenditure, the urgent recruitment of doctors, nurses, and other essential staff to fill vacancies in public health facilities, and a definitive halt to the privatisation of government medical institutions.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information sourced from a New Indian Express report dated April 21, 2025. It aims to summarize the key points presented in the source material.

https://www.emedinexus.com/post/47890/Experts-Demand-Right-to-Health-Oppose-Privatisation-of-Medical-Colleges-in-Andhra-Pradesh