YSRCP launches statewide protests against privatization of government medical colleges

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has intensified protests across Andhra Pradesh against the state government’s plan to run government medical colleges under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The party is demanding the immediate withdrawal of Government Order 590 (GO 590), warning that it threatens access to medical education for economically disadvantaged students and undermines public health services.

Party leaders, ministers, and activists took to the streets in multiple districts to voice their opposition. In Putturu, former minister ARK Roja led a massive rally, stating that the protests would continue unless GO 590 is revoked. She criticized the previous Chief Minister for failing to open even a single new medical college during his tenure, while the former YSRCP government had established 17 colleges. According to her, the current government halted construction due to lack of funding.

Large rallies were also held in Chittoor, led by YSRCP in-charge Vijayanand Reddy, and in Punganur, under former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy. Party leaders submitted petitions to government offices, condemning the transfer of public institutions to private or corporate hands for political gain.

In Vijayawada’s West constituency, former minister Vellampalli Srinivas Rao highlighted that the PPP model could compromise the quality of medical education and healthcare services for the poor. Of the 17 medical colleges initiated under the current government, construction has been completed in seven, and admissions have begun in five.

YSRCP leaders expressed concern that privatization has already cost 700 MBBS seats, with an additional 2,450 seats at risk in the coming academic years. They warned that employment opportunities for unemployed youth through government medical colleges would also be affected.

The protests extended to rural areas, including Chodavaram and Kamalapuram, where thousands of people, especially women and youth, joined rallies and submitted petitions to local officials. YSRCP leaders accused the government of prioritizing corporate profits over the welfare of poor students and public healthcare.

The party reiterated its commitment to protecting public health rights and ensuring access to medical education for all, urging the government to immediately cancel GO 590 and take responsibility for constructing and running the medical colleges directly.