AP to launch universal health scheme, CM announces

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the state government is preparing to introduce a universal health insurance scheme aimed at providing comprehensive medical coverage to every resident of the state. Under this scheme, each citizen is expected to receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹2.5 lakh.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed Shankar Eye Hospital in Pedakakani, Guntur district, the Chief Minister said the government is also taking steps to extend medical assistance for the poor up to ₹25 lakh.

The new hospital, opened with the blessings of Shankaracharya Sri Sri Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswati Swamiji, features a super-specialty eye care center. According to hospital officials, the facility has so far conducted over four lakh eye surgeries and more than nine lakh eye examinations. On average, around 3,000 patients visit daily, and the hospital currently employs about 300 medical staff.

Chandrababu Naidu also highlighted the state government’s ongoing initiatives under the ‘Sanjeevani’ project to improve healthcare services. As part of this effort, medical records of over six crore residents are being digitized. In collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a pilot project is underway to share technology and medical knowledge to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.