The State government has announced plans to transition the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme from a trust-based system to an insurance model, aiming to improve service quality and accessibility. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu approved the proposal during a review meeting of the health department at his residence in Undavalli
Under the new insurance model, both public and private insurers will be leveraged to provide health coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh per family annually, benefiting approximately 4.30 crore residents across the State.
To streamline healthcare delivery, the government is also consolidating the 104 and 108 emergency services under a single operator. The 108 service, which currently operates a fleet of 190 ambulances—many of which have exceeded their operational lifespan—will see its vehicles replaced at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore. These changes aim to ensure timely and effective emergency medical response.
The 104 service is set to receive significant upgrades, including the reinstatement of lab technicians and diagnostic facilities, enabling village-level medical screenings. This initiative is expected to enhance rural healthcare, addressing gaps in early diagnosis and treatment.
In support of frontline healthcare workers, the State government has also announced a Rs 2,000 salary hike for 108 staff and ambulance pilots. Additionally, 58 Mahaprasthanam vehicles will be procured at an annual cost of Rs 9.45 crore to address the increasing demand for transporting deceased persons.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to curb exploitative practices, such as the “ambulance mafia,” by implementing stricter regulations near hospitals. Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of establishing Jan Aushadhi drug stores in every mandal to ensure affordable medicines are accessible to the public.
These measures collectively aim to strengthen the State’s healthcare infrastructure and provide efficient, accessible, and affordable medical services to its citizens.
Telugus played key role in drafting Constitution: CM
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said the role of Telugu stalwarts in drafting the Indian Constitution is noteworthy.
He released the New Year calendar 2025, which contains eminent Telugus who played a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution, at his Undavalli residence on Saturday. He highlighted the greatness of each and every Telugu leader figured in the calendar.
Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu firmly resisted the Britishers with the slogan ‘Simon Go Back’, and also played a crucial role in drafting the Constitution, particularly pertaining to provisions on local body governance and the discretionary powers of Governors. Similarly, Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya too extended his services as member of the Advisory Committee of Constituent Assembly, Naidu said.
He hailed the contributions of Durgabai Deshmukh, Moturi Satyanarayana, Gogineni Ranganayakulu, VC Kesava Rao, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Kalluri Subba Rao, NG Ranga, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, Kala Venkata Rao, Mosalikanti Tirumala Rao, Raja Ravu Swetachalapati Ramakrishna and others. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the social media accounts of the State Legislature.
Naidu appreciated the efforts of Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, and Deputy Speaker K Raghu Rama Krishna Raju in conducting the Assembly proceedings in the most dignified manner
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