Health Minister Seeks Centre's Help

Health Minister D L Ravindra Reddy, on Thursday, sought immediate financial assistance, from the Centre, to complete several pending projects in the state.

The minister made a detailed presentation to Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at the Lakeview Guest House in Hyderabad, on Thursday.

Later, while talking to reporters at the state Secretariat, Ravindra Reddy said that he has requested Azad to provide Rs. 150 crore for the Nizam's Institute of Medical Science Hospital being constructed at Srirangalpur near Bibinagar.

He said that the first phase of the hospital, with 200 beds, could be started if the Centre provides a minimum of Rs. 35 crore immediately.

The minister also asked the Centre for Rs. 30 crore for the Visakhapatnam Institute Of Medical Science.

Ravindra Reddy also asked Azad to include the city's Niloufer Hospital under the National Urban Health Mission.

Further, he sought the Centre's assistance in reducing the infant mortality rate in the state.

Ravindra Reddy said that in the Five Year Plan, Andhra Pradesh would get Rs. 1,400 crore under the National Rural Health Mission. The state's contribution for the project will be Rs. 272 crore.

The minister also briefed Azad about AP's plan to extend Arogyasri to all its citizens.

He also told the Union Minister that the scheme to provide 100% of the medicines in government hospitals, which has been launched in Adilabad and Srikakulam districts, has been successful, and that the same could be extended to other districts.

Regarding the increase in the number of medical seats in AP, the minister said that 1,000 seats will be added in the state, starting with the next academic year.

While an increase of 50 seats in each of the 10 government medical colleges will be implemented, the rest of the seats will be added in private colleges, he said. (INN)