AP Launches ₹162 Crore Preventive Health Plan to Screen 56.4 Lakh People Annually

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a comprehensive preventive healthcare initiative that marks a decisive shift from a curative healthcare model to a preventive healthcare model focused on early detection and long-term monitoring. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced that the programme will provide 47 types of medical tests through 104 mobile medical units , with an annual outlay of ₹162 crore , targeting 56.4 lakh individuals annually , including those identified under surveys for Non-Communicable Diseases and students in welfare hostels. The initiative significantly expands the current system, which relies on just six basic tests conducted periodically, by introducing diagnostics across 11 categories , enabling a more comprehensive health assessment.

A key objective of the programme is to address the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in India, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and kidney disorders, which often remain undiagnosed until advanced stages. By adopting a targeted screening approach , the government aims to identify high-risk individuals early and reduce long-term health complications. Central to this transformation is the creation of electronic health records (EHRs) and individual disease profiles , which will allow continuous tracking of patient health, support data-driven healthcare , and improve policy planning at multiple administrative levels.

The initiative also leverages mobile medical units to strengthen rural healthcare access , addressing longstanding gaps in infrastructure and accessibility. These units, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as analysers, microscopes, and incubators, will function as mobile laboratories capable of testing around 20 individuals per day and approximately 520 people per month per unit . This ensures last-mile delivery of healthcare services, particularly in underserved regions, while integrating preventive care with on-ground outreach.

Beyond health outcomes, the programme is designed as a cost-effective public health strategy , as early diagnosis can significantly reduce the need for expensive treatments such as hospitalisation, dialysis, and major surgeries. By investing in prevention, the government aims to lower long-term healthcare expenditure while improving overall population health. With plans to roll out the programme within two months , Andhra Pradesh’s initiative represents a structural transformation in public healthcare, combining scale, technology, and preventive focus to reshape health delivery in the state.