Heartfelt Governance: Andhra Pradesh Spends Rs 1,003 Crore On Free Cardiac Care For Citizens

In a landmark move for public health, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced that it has spent Rs 1,003 crore on providing free heart treatments to citizens under its flagship healthcare initiative. The announcement, made on World Heart Day 2025, underscores the state’s commitment to accessible and life-saving medical care, especially for economically vulnerable populations.

Key Highlights From The Health Initiative

- The expenditure covers surgeries, stent placements, diagnostics, and post-operative care across government and empanelled private hospitals  
- Over 1.5 lakh patients have benefited from the program since its inception, with a significant portion coming from rural and tribal regions  
- The scheme operates under the Dr. YSR Aarogyasri Health Insurance framework, which offers cashless treatment for critical illnesses  
- Cardiac care is one of the most availed services, followed by oncology and nephrology  
- The government has partnered with leading hospitals and cardiologists to ensure quality and timely interventions

Infrastructure And Outreach Expansion

- Mobile cardiac units and telemedicine services have been deployed to reach remote areas  
- District hospitals have been upgraded with cath labs and advanced diagnostic equipment  
- Awareness drives on heart health, lifestyle changes, and early detection have been conducted in schools, panchayats, and urban slums

Public Response And Future Plans

- Beneficiaries have praised the scheme for saving lives without financial burden  
- The government plans to expand the program to include preventive screenings and lifestyle counseling  
- Officials are exploring AI-based monitoring tools to track patient recovery and reduce readmission rates

Sources: The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle, Andhra Pradesh Health Department Press Briefing, Times of India Regional Health Desk