Naidu Champions PPP in Medical Colleges Amidst Political Storm

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu defended the development of medical colleges under the PPP model, emphasizing efficient services. He addressed critics, mainly from YSRCP, and highlighted increased medical seats and focus on health services. The CM also urged bureaucratic efficiency and data-driven governance for improved service delivery.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has staunchly defended his administration's decision to adopt the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for developing medical colleges, asserting it will lead to more efficient services. Speaking at the fifth collectors' conference held at the state secretariat, Naidu tackled what he described as a politically charged topic, a move that has faced strong opposition from the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

The Chief Minister reassured skeptics by stating that the medical colleges, which are among 17 sanctioned by the Centre during the previous YSRCP administration, would function as government institutions despite being constructed under the PPP framework. Naidu emphasized that 70% of their services would cater to the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme, a welfare health initiative, while also highlighting an increase in available medical seats.

Beyond healthcare infrastructural decisions, Naidu underscored the necessity for governmental reform, urging district collectors to enhance the satisfaction levels through efficient service delivery. He detailed plans to leverage technology, such as blockchain, for accountability and to move all government processes online by January 2026, further revealing a collaborative effort with Google to establish an Artificial Intelligence data center in Visakhapatnam.

(With inputs from agencies.)