Dr. K. Sujatha Rao urges recognition of health as a right, criticises AP’s reliance on private sector, and calls for a Health Security Act.
Dr K. Sujatha Rao, former union health secretary highlighted AP’s poor health indicators, noting that 27 out of 1,000 children under five die, compared to Kerala’s 10. She linked rural distress to high medical expenses, citing farmer suicides. Criticising corporate hospitals for unnecessary tests, she advocated for affordable medicines and better medical training.
Tirupati: Dr K. Sujatha Rao, former union health secretary, stressed the need to recognise health as a fundamental right, warning against the government's declining role in public healthcare. Speaking at a seminar in Tirupati on Sunday, she criticised increasing private sector control, leaving the poor without access to affordable treatment.
She highlighted that while India's health policy discussions began in 1948, subsequent policies have distanced healthcare from being a basic right. Drawing comparisons, she praised Kerala’s healthcare model, contrasting it with Andhra Pradesh’s over-reliance on private entities. She cited the transfer of Chittoor Government Hospital to Apollo and the proposal for 11 medical colleges under public-private partnerships as signs of neglect.
Dr. Rao highlighted AP’s poor health indicators, noting that 27 out of 1,000 children under five die, compared to Kerala’s 10. She linked rural distress to high medical expenses, citing farmer suicides. Criticising corporate hospitals for unnecessary tests, she advocated for affordable medicines and better medical training.
Retired IAS officer Dr. P.V. Ramesh Kumar warned against excessive reliance on insurance schemes. The seminar concluded with a resolution demanding a Health Security Act for AP, urging the government to prioritise public healthcare over privatisation.
She highlighted that while India's health policy discussions began in 1948, subsequent policies have distanced healthcare from being a basic right. Drawing comparisons, she praised Kerala’s healthcare model, contrasting it with Andhra Pradesh’s over-reliance on private entities. She cited the transfer of Chittoor Government Hospital to Apollo and the proposal for 11 medical colleges under public-private partnerships as signs of neglect.
Dr. Rao highlighted AP’s poor health indicators, noting that 27 out of 1,000 children under five die, compared to Kerala’s 10. She linked rural distress to high medical expenses, citing farmer suicides. Criticising corporate hospitals for unnecessary tests, she advocated for affordable medicines and better medical training.
Retired IAS officer Dr. P.V. Ramesh Kumar warned against excessive reliance on insurance schemes. The seminar concluded with a resolution demanding a Health Security Act for AP, urging the government to prioritise public healthcare over privatisation.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story