Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphatically stated that his government will not reverse its decision to use the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for establishing new medical colleges in the state. The declaration came during his address at the fifth district collectors' conference held on Wednesday in Vijayawada.
Government to Frame Rules, Colleges to Run as State Institutions
Addressing the gathering of senior bureaucrats, Naidu clarified the government's position. He assured that while private players will be involved in the development phase, the operational control will remain with the state. The colleges will function as government medical colleges, adhering to all regulations that the state will formulate and enforce.
To counter critics of the model, the Chief Minister drew a parallel with infrastructure projects. He pointed out that roads and National Highways are routinely developed under PPP arrangements. "Just because private entities build the roads, it does not mean they own the National Highways," Naidu explained, applying the same logic to the healthcare sector.
Benefits for Patients and Students Outlined
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief detailed the direct benefits of this initiative for the public. He announced that over 70% of patients in these new medical colleges would avail of the NTR Vaidya Seva health services, ensuring affordable care. Furthermore, the number of available seats for medical students will be increased in line with the norms set by the Union government.
Naidu did not shy away from criticizing the opposition Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), which has been actively campaigning against the PPP model. The YSRCP is currently collecting one crore signatures in protest.
Sharp Rebuke to Opposition's "Double Standards"
Launching a counter-attack, Naidu accused the previous YSRCP regime of financial mismanagement. He claimed that the former government wasted approximately Rs 500 crore on constructing buildings at Rushi Konda. "They could have developed two full medical colleges with those funds. Instead, they built a palace-like structure that has now turned into a white elephant," the Chief Minister remarked.
He also highlighted that the central government undertakes numerous projects using the PPP framework, defending its legitimacy. Naidu concluded by asserting that his administration is prepared to present all facts to the people and expose what he called the opposition's "double standards" on the issue.
