At Dakshin Dialogues, minister Vidadala Rajini showcases Andhra Pradesh health initiatives worth emulating

“It is a scheme that other states could emulate. Every citizen in Andhra Pradesh has access to a family doctor who attends to them, treats them for any ailment, and gives advice if they need any specialist care,” she explained.

The minister further pointed out another initiative mapping the health of every citizen by digitising their medical records and storing them in cloud storage. She cited it as an example of how technology could help in improving the health of the people.

“For instance, if someone meets with an accident, the doctor attending to him would know his medical history with a click of a button. It helps the doctor in taking necessary precautions while treating him. Imagine if there are no such records in electronic form, how difficult it would become for the doctor to treat the patient,” she said.

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Arogya Suraksha

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Vidadala Rajini. (South First)

Rajini also spoke about the recently-launched Arogya Surkhsha, under which citizens would be tested for blood pressure, blood sugar, haemoglobin levels, and so on.

“This way every individual’s health in the state is taken care of,” she said.

Andhra Pradesh has introduced another programme aimed at expectant mothers in remote tribal settlements, said the minister.

The state government has opened birth-waiting halls at hospitals, where expecting tribal women could take admission in the eighth month.

The programme was launched considering the difficulty in accessing medical care after going into labour, said Rajini.

Under the Thalli Bidda Express scheme, after delivery, the mother and child are dropped off at their respective homes.

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Need for customisation

The minister emphasised that the initiatives any state government might launch should be tailor-made for the target groups, as each state has its own distinct culture and traditions.

“Customising the government help to the target groups is one form of the southern model of governance,” she said.

Even while preserving their identity, the southern states should be accommodative to the needs of North Indians, she said, adding that there was nothing wrong in helping North Indian states. In fact, the South had the potential to help others, she opined.

Rajini also touched upon the welfare measures of the Andhra Pradesh government. “We are the pioneer in promoting welfarism. We have navaratnalu — nine gems — to make life easy and rewarding for the citizens. Around 90 percent of the nine gems were women-centric.”

The minister argued that investing in education would help in the growth and progress of the state. Under Jagananna Ammavodi, the government transfers ₹15,000 annually to women for the welfare of their children. As many as 45 lakh mothers benefit from this scheme.

After the introduction of the scheme, there has been a marked improvement in the literacy rate. The dropout rate has come down and the pass percentage has improved. Additionally, the state government, under Jagananna Vidya Kanuka helps the students purchase school uniforms and shoes. Under Jaganaa Gorumudda, nutritious meal is provided to schoolchildren.

Rajini said the AP government was responsive to the needs of the people. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, before winning the elections, went on a statewide padayatra and learnt about the problems people were facing. After coming to power he devised schemes commensurate with the needs of the people who he had seen in person.

“I am proud that ₹4.7 lakh crore has so far been transferred to the bank accounts of people under one welfare scheme or the other,” she said.

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Dakshin Dialogues

Dakshin Dialogues is South First‘s annual thought conclave that brings together South India’s biggest political and judicial minds, and social activists, on one stage.

While federalism was the primary theme of last year’s event, it is the core of each session this year, too, as South First continues to focus on the other half of the India story.

Dakshin Dialogues 2023 is seeing the likes of Vidadala Rajini, Khushbu Sundar, Shashi Tharoor, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and many others, discussing delimitation, the Southern model of governance, and much more. Let the dialogues begin!