YSRCP’s Mithun Reddy questions AP government’s stand on medical seats

New Delhi: YSRCP Lok Sabha leader PV Mithun Reddy criticized the Andhra Pradesh government for denying new medical seats, calling it an outrageous decision that harms the state’s healthcare sector. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the Union Budget on Monday, he condemned the move and the privatization of medical colleges.

AP government declines new medical seats

The Union government announced in the budget that 75,000 new medical seats would be introduced nationwide over the next five years, with 10,000 available this year. However, AP government wrote to the Centre stating that the state does not need new medical seats, a decision Mithun Reddy strongly opposed.

Lack of medical facilities in Andhra Pradesh

Mithun Reddy pointed out that AP lacks adequate medical infrastructure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents were forced to seek treatment outside the state. To address this, the previous government initiated the construction of 17 new medical colleges, five of which began operations last year.

Privatization of medical colleges condemned

Mithun Reddy criticized the current government for halting the development of these colleges. He accused the administration of privatizing them under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model instead of completing them. He called the move a major setback, stating that rejecting new medical seats and pushing for privatization was against public welfare.

A major blow to the health sector

Mithun Reddy warned that this decision would cause irreparable damage to AP’s healthcare system. He urged the government to reconsider its stance and prioritize public healthcare over privatization.