25 per cent beds to Aarogyasri patients in AP hospitals

Hyderabad, Oct 31 (UNI) Every network hospital in Andhra Pradesh, both private and government has to earmark minimum 25 per cent of the beds in each speciality to Aarogyasri patients.

A decision to this effect was decided at meeting of the Aarogyasri Healthcare Trust chaired by Chief Minister and Chairman of the Trust, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy here today.

Congratulating the one lakh families whose kin had undergone successful surgeries under the Aarogyasri scheme, Dr Reddy said the one lakh successful operations for white card holders done free under the Aarogyasri scheme was a milestone in its implementation in the State.

It was also decided at the meeting that 77 new treatments (procedures) be included in the scheme as desired by the Chief Minister. These new packages were in 14 specialties and approved for implementation under Rajiv Aarogyasri-II scheme.

This will augment the Treatment under Trauma and enlarge the scope of coverge in Ophthalmology and ENT. It will also supplement the procedures in Critical Areas in General Surgery, General Medicine, Critical Care, Intensive Care in Children, OBG, Renal, Neurosurgery and Rheumatology.

The Chief Minister assured during interaction with cochlear implant beneficiaries on International Day of Deaf that the Trust should provide package for Behind the Ear Anlog Hearing Aid for hearing impaired under the Rajiv Aarogyasri-II scheme.

The Chief Minister approved that Network hospitals provide separate facilities for Aarogyasri outpatients.

The Trust decided to conduct an independent evaluation of the Aarogyasri by Indian Institute of Public Health and to expand the staff strength in view of increased responsibilities and to appoint Institute of Public Auditors of India as Auditors of the Trust, an official release here said.

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