Hospitals Demand ₹3,500 Crore Dues from State Government
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospital Association (APSHA) has intensified its demand for the state government to clear pending dues of ₹3,500 crore under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme. The association, representing numerous hospitals across the state, has started reaching out to legislators and officials for support in resolving the issue.
Despite earlier warnings to suspend all cashless services from April, the state government has not fully addressed the financial crisis. While a partial payment of ₹300 crore was released twice, this amounts to less than 10% of the total outstanding amount, APSHA president K. Vijay Kumar stated.
Healthcare Crisis Looms
Dr. Vijay Kumar highlighted that the previous YSRCP government owed ₹2,200 crore, and the debt has since risen to ₹3,500 crore. “We are helpless and unable to continue providing free healthcare services to the people without the funds,” he said.
To raise awareness, APSHA members are engaging with local lawmakers and bureaucrats. Many government representatives remain unaware of the crisis, further delaying a resolution.
Growing Discontent Among Medical Professionals
The crisis extends beyond hospitals. Medical professionals, including Vaidyamitras and Team Leaders working under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva Trust, have also demanded fair pay, proper cadre allocation, and career progression. Employees recruited under Government Order RI No. 28 in 2016 have appealed to Human Resource Development and IT Minister Nara Lokesh for intervention.
With no immediate solution in sight, private hospitals may soon withdraw cashless treatment, leaving thousands of patients reliant on the government healthcare scheme without access to essential medical services.
