TDP Government's Privatisation of Medical Colleges Sparks Criticism from YSRCP Leader V Rajini

V Rajani, a YSRCP leader and former health minister, criticised the TDP-led NDA government for privatising medical colleges. She described this move as an institutional betrayal. During a press conference, Rajani highlighted that the previous administration under YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had initiated the construction of 17 medical colleges with world-class facilities to provide free healthcare and education.

Privatisation Concerns and Allegations

Rajani expressed concern that public assets valued at over Rs 8,000 crore are being leased to private entities for a mere Rs 5,000 annually. She argued this undermines decades of investment in public healthcare. The government allegedly used a biased report by audit firm KPMG to justify transferring these institutions to corporate control.

According to Rajani, only five out of the planned 17 medical colleges have been completed. The second phase, which included colleges in Paderu, Pulivendula, Markapuram, Adoni, and Madanapalle, has been stalled. Each college was constructed at a cost of Rs 500 crore on 50 acres of land valued at over Rs 2 crore per acre.

Impact on Healthcare and Education

The former health minister stressed that these colleges were intended to provide local communities with access to advanced healthcare. She warned that privatisation could deprive underprivileged sections of society of medical education and free super-specialty healthcare services.

Rajani accused the coalition government of dismantling several health schemes initiated by the previous YSRCP government. These schemes had provided free healthcare and essential support to the public. She also alleged that welfare, farming, and industrial systems are currently in crisis.

Unfulfilled Promises and Public Needs

Rajani criticised the government's unfulfilled promises, such as the construction of iconic towers at Amaravati. She claimed these projects would benefit only a select few while ignoring broader public needs. Despite her allegations, there was no immediate response from the ruling TDP regarding her claims.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions between political parties over healthcare policies and infrastructure development in the region. The debate continues as stakeholders await further developments on this issue.

With inputs from PTI