AP Health Minister urges medical graduates to serve public sector, warns against commercialization

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav has urged medical graduates to dedicate their skills to public healthcare after completing their education, emphasizing that serving underprivileged communities is a privilege available in government medical services.

Addressing the 2025 batch of students at the Freshers’ Day event of Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation in Chinavutpalli, Krishna district, the minister shared a personal note, saying that although his sister once wished for him to become a doctor, he chose public service and now continues to learn about healthcare administration from doctors, professors, and staff. “I am still a student of medicine at heart,” he remarked.

Minister Satyakumar highlighted the respect and importance that the medical profession holds in society, expressing concern that the field is increasingly being treated as a business rather than a service-oriented vocation. He encouraged students to uphold values of humanism and service, noting that such dedication not only strengthens public health but also enhances the prestige of medical professionals.

The minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for expanding MBBS seats to 73,000 over the past decade and doubling postgraduate medical seats. He also acknowledged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s efforts to introduce a universal health scheme and make advanced medical care accessible through the Dr. NTR Medical Services Trust.

Speaking on youth responsibility, the minister emphasized that enjoyment is important in life but should not overshadow duty. He called upon young people to recognize their critical role in nation-building and urged them to embrace serious responsibilities alongside personal growth.

Minister Satyakumar criticized the previous government for neglecting public medical college infrastructure, noting that several institutions faced incomplete facilities and some colleges remained limited to their foundations. While the past government allocated only ₹1,550 crore out of a required ₹8,500 crore for medical college development, the current coalition government is prioritizing basic infrastructure and quality medical education for underprivileged students.

Under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the state plans to add 110 MBBS seats for local students, addressing the previous shortage of all-India quota allocations. The government is also committed to strengthening existing public hospitals while constructing new medical colleges to meet growing healthcare demands.

The event concluded with vibrant cultural performances by the medical students, reflecting both their talent and enthusiasm.