CM Chandrababu Naidu indifferent to medical needs of the poor, alleges APCC president Sharmila

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila on Thursday condemned the “crisis in the 19-year history of the Aarogyasri health scheme,” and called it a dark chapter.

“Representatives of hospital managements have taken to the streets, demanding payment for treatments already provided as the government failed to clear ₹2,700 crore dues,” Ms. Sharmila posted on X.

The Congress leader accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of being indifferent to the woes of people suffering without medical care.

For the last 15 days, hospitals had suspended services, turning away around 1 lakh patients and postponing surgeries, causing immense hardship to the poor. “But the government has not shown any concern or compassion,” she said. Alleging a conspiracy to weaken the Aarogyasri scheme, she said it would deprive the poor of free healthcare.

She slammed the government for engaging in bargaining over pending bills, and demanded immediate release of the full amount of dues and restore Aarogyasri services in hospitals.