PAV Resists AP Government's Plan to Privatize Medical Colleges, Threatens Healthcare Paralysis

Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV) Saturday vehemently opposed the Andhra Pradesh government plan to privatize recently set up medical colleges and shift the NTR Vaidya Seva Scheme to insurance firms. The health rights collective cautioned that such steps would paralyze the state's public health system and dilute equal access.

In a press release, PAV condemned the coalition government for its move to place 10 government-funded medical colleges under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and to facilitate the sale of 50% reserved seats by Government Orders (GOs) 107 and 108. "The government must consolidate medical education and healthcare solely within the public domain. Privatisation will destroy the very essence of equitable healthcare," the statement read.

PAV convener Dr. M.V. Ramanaiah asked for the two GOs to be cancelled forthwith and withdrawal of the proposal to transfer Arogyasri to private insurers. He pointed out that colleges built with taxpayers' funds have to be kept under state control so that these are accessible to rural and economically backward groups.

Seconding the concern, PAV state secretary T. Kameswara Rao said, "Privatising what is made for public good is not acceptable. Healthcare is a right, not a business prospect." He appealed to the government to rather concentrate on building infrastructure, manning, and funding support for government hospitals.

PAV leaders also warned that not reversing these policies would deny students from underprivileged backgrounds opportunities while driving necessary healthcare services out of the reach of common folk. They called on the government to protect the ideals of accessible and affordable health care, warning that privatisation has the potential to further exacerbate inequality throughout the state's health system.