AP PCC Chief Sharmila has expressed concerns regarding Union Minister of State Pemmasani Chandrasekhar’s recent comments on the Aarogyasri scheme. Sharmila questioned whether the push for Ayushman Bharat cards implies the discontinuation of the Aarogyasri scheme in the state.
“Are you planning to implement only the Ayushman Bharat scheme? Is your coalition government considering discontinuing Aarogyasri? Is that why funds are not being allocated to Aarogyasri? Why are the pending dues not being paid?” Sharmila queried.
Sharmila further criticized the government for its handling of bill payments. “Your government claims bills are not being submitted, yet hospitals have ceased accepting patients due to pending dues. If the Centre provides Rs. 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat, does this mean the state will no longer contribute? Are you saying there will be no more treatment under Aarogyasri?” she asked.
Highlighting the legacy of the Aarogyasri scheme, Sharmila reminded that it was a significant initiative introduced by Dr. YS Rajasekhar Reddy and served as a model for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. She warned that any dilution of such a beneficial scheme would not be tolerated.
“The previous YSRCP government left Rs. 1,600 crore in pending dues, causing hospitals to halt services. Now, the statements from coalition ministers cast doubt on the scheme’s future. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan must address this issue. The coalition government in AP should immediately clarify its stance on the Aarogyasri scheme. We demand the immediate release of the Rs. 1,600 crore in pending dues and the uninterrupted implementation of the Aarogyasri scheme,” Sharmila asserted.
