Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday declared that healthcare and education across Telangana will remain the top priorities of his government, assuring that there will be no cuts in funding for either sector.
Higher allocation, a possibility
Replying to the debate on demands for grants in the Assembly, the Chief Minister stated that the government is committed to protecting and even increasing allocations for healthcare and education, if required.
‘State government inherited Rs 627 crore pending bills’
CM Revanth said the State government inherited Rs 627 crore in pending dues under the Rajiv Aarogyasri scheme when it assumed office on December 7, 2023.
Since then, the government has cleared Rs 2,408 crore:
– Rs 927 crore to government hospitals
– Rs 1,480 crore to private hospitals
He noted that outstanding dues currently stand at Rs 727 crore, largely from the previous regime.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the Aarogyasri coverage limit has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, expanding access to healthcare for the poor.
Clarification on private hospitals
Dismissing claims that private hospitals are shutting down due to unpaid dues, CM Revanth termed such reports as ‘false propaganda,’ asserting that pending payments to private hospitals are minimal and are being cleared regularly.
Reforms in CM Relief Fund
The Chief Minister alleged irregularities in the previous government regarding the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, stating that some individuals misused the system.
To address this, the government has:
– Introduced an online application system
– Strengthened transparency mechanisms
– So far, Rs 2,046 crore has been disbursed under the CM Relief Fund.
Boost for public healthcare infrastructure
The government has earmarked Rs 4,500 crore for the medical treatment of the poor.
Reddy expressed concern that patients are not utilising teaching hospitals despite there being 35 medical colleges in the state. He also flagged a shortage of qualified doctors in these institutions.
To address this, the government is considering:
– Referring Aarogyasri patients to teaching hospitals
– Providing additional funding through the CM Relief Fund
– Appointing Group-I level officers for administrative oversight
Plans to tap global Telugu doctors
Highlighting that many doctors from Telangana are working abroad, the Chief Minister announced plans to launch a dedicated website to enable them to offer services in local hospitals during visits to the state.
Upgrading hospitals across Hyderabad
The government is upgrading healthcare infrastructure by:
– Transforming TIMS hospitals in Alwal, LB Nagar, and Sanath Nagar into specialised centres
– Constructing a new Osmania Hospital building in Goshamahal for Rs 3,000 crore across 30 acres
Insurance coverage for 1.15 crore families
Based on caste census data, the government plans to extend the ‘Indiramma Jeevitha Bima’ life insurance scheme to 1.15 crore families, aiming to provide financial security to households across the state.
Focus on quality education
On education, the Chief Minister acknowledged that while access has improved, quality remains a challenge. He said the State government will soon introduce reforms aimed at enhancing the standard of education.
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