Adding to the existing strain on Andhra Pradesh’s healthcare system, with Primary Health Centre (PHC) doctors already on strike, the Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospitals’ Association (ASHA) has declared a complete cessation of medical services. Effective from Friday, all empanelled hospitals operating under the crucial Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme will discontinue their services.
This drastic measure affects over 600 network hospitals throughout the state, which currently offer vital cashless treatment to countless individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
In a statement issued to the media on Thursday, ASHA explained their decision, citing an untenable financial situation. They stated that the inability of the government to release outstanding payments for services rendered under the scheme has made it impossible for these hospitals to sustain their operations and continue providing public healthcare.
ASHA Vice-President S.V.L. Narayana Rao confirmed that both outpatient (OP) and emergency services would cease from Thursday midnight.
However, he assured the public that no patient in critical need would be turned away. Instead, hospitals would stabilize such patients before transferring them to the nearest government medical facility. Alternatively, treatment would be offered, but without the financial benefits provided by the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme.
The association highlighted in its statement that the total outstanding amount owed to the network hospitals across Andhra Pradesh now exceeds ₹2,700 crore. “As months pass, the amount just keeps increasing,” the statement read, expressing deep frustration over the State government’s consistent failure to address their repeated appeals and clear the accumulating dues.
ASHA had previously informed Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav and the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust in a letter dated September 25, warning that all services would be suspended from October 10 if the outstanding payments remained uncleared.
The association members made it clear that they would not engage in any further discussions until an initial, guaranteed payment of ₹670 crore was released by the government.
K. Vijay Kumar, the association’s president, reiterated that with the promised initial payment still withheld, they were left with no alternative but to proceed with the service suspension. He noted that numerous meetings with public representatives and District Collectors since September 25 had unfortunately yielded no positive outcomes.
In light of their decision, the association urged the State government to promptly establish alternative healthcare arrangements to minimize public inconvenience during this critical period.