Jagan in Davos: At WEF 2022, Andhra CM highlights state's health care system

Amaravati: On day 1 of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy highlighted the state's health care system and its role in fighting the pandemic. He was speaking during a public session titled "Future-proofing Health Systems." The discussions were held on how policies, practices, and partnerships can be adapted and scaled in health systems globally to build resilience and ensure uninterrupted care, even in times of shocks and crisis.

The public session was attended by AstraZeneca board chairman Leif Johansson, the CEO of Access to Medicine Foundation Jayasree K. Iyer, UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell, and the president of Shanti Ashram, Kezevino Aram. The discussions began by addressing the global context of the pandemic and the mounting migration crisis that is testing already stressed health systems, with disruptions to essential services and care reported in over 90% of countries.

Jagan addressed the panelists on how Andhra Pradesh tackled the pandemic by highlighting the robust system in place, the Chief Minister said the government was able to face the pandemic while focusing majorly on early detection. "Tracing, testing, and treatment along with 44 rounds of house-to-house surveys with the help of over 42K ASHA workers and village volunteers who worked during the pandemic helped Andhra Pradesh fight the crisis efficiently. We were also able to curtail the mortality rate to 0.63% when the national average was between 1 to 1.2%," the Chief Minister said.

He also spoke on how the state is moving forward in future-proofing the health care systems from a governance perspective. The Chief Minister highlighted 'Proactive, Preventive and Curative' measures to be taken to build resilient healthcare systems and decentralised governance to ensure the benefits reaches the last mile. "Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability – all three must move in line in the health sector," said Jagan.

Family doctor concept

In terms of preventive care, Jagan highlighted the "family doctor" concept. "We have village clinics for every 2,000 people, two primary health centres for every 30,000 people (mandal level). These two PHCs have four doctors who work in designated villages and act as family doctors for the people," said the CM. In terms of curative care, the AP government has been establishing district and teaching hospitals (medical colleges in every Parliamentary constituency), playing a very critical role. He said that under the earlier regime, there were 11 medical colleges/teaching hospital but the state is now establishing 16 new medical colleges and teaching hospitals.

The Chief Minister also highlighted strengthening the tertiary care system in the state. He said, "To improve the health sector, the AP government has decided to mobilise $2 billion (Rs. 16,000 crores) within three years to improve health facilities."

Answering questions from the audience, the Chief Minister addressed the role played by the government in terms of health care insurance. "Under YSR Aarogyasri Scheme, we have included 2,446 medical procedures and the health card was given to 1.44 crore households. In the last three years, 25 lakh people have benefited from it," he said.