Hyderabad, Aug 18 (Representative) Telangana State has transformed into a “Healthy Telangana” through resolute actions orchestrated by the State Government. The Telangana government has spearheaded groundbreaking programs and initiatives in the realm of Health and Medical Education, aiming to uplift healthcare quality and the overall well-being of its citizens. The remarkable progress achieved by the state in the healthcare domain has not only set an example for others but also garnered the admiration of various states across the nation. The Telangana Government has diligently worked to address the needs of diverse groups, including women, pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and patients with chronic illnesses, as stated in an official statement here on Friday. “Basti Dawakhanas”, dedicated to delivering quality healthcare services to the urban underprivileged, a network of 350 Basti Dawakhanas currently caters to the GHMC region. Each Basti dispensary serves a population of 5,000 to 10,000. The presence of Basti Dawakhanas is expanding, with 434 such centers now serving urban areas throughout the state. These dispensaries, under the guidance of specialist doctors, offer free diagnostic tests and medicines. As of December 2022, 2,11,23,408 individuals have received treatment at Basti Dawakhanas, amounting to a government expenditure of Rs. 94.87 crores. Telangana Diagnostics centers have conducted more than 11 crore free diagnostic tests. These centers, numbering 20, are spread across the state and conduct 134 different types of tests. The initiative extends to district-specific diagnostic hubs, which closely collaborate with RTPCR labs. Cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, including auto analyzers, digital x-rays, ultrasound scan machines, and more, are available at these hubs, supporting various medical tests, including heart, kidney, lung, and cancer screenings. The merger of the “Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jana Arogya Yojana – Arogyashri” schemes on May 18, 2021, marked a significant step.
This merger resulted in an expansion of the maximum coverage limit from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. Aarogyasri packages remain applicable to both government and private hospitals. The scheme has benefited 16 lakh individuals until May 2023, costing the government Rs. 7,000 crores. Under the Employee and Journalist Health Scheme, State government employees, pensioners, journalists, and their dependents are provided cashless medical treatment. Wellness centers cater to outpatient care, while empanelled hospitals offer inpatient treatments. The scheme, encompassing 344 empanelled hospitals, serves 12,04,654 people, with an expenditure of Rs. 1475.19 crores for the treatment of 3,65,200 individuals until May 2023. A free dialysis program benefits kidney patients under the Arogyasri initiative. Remarkably, single-use dialyzers and tubes are employed, setting a national precedent. The government’s expenditure for dialysis services, catering to 67,049 patients, amounts to Rs. 698.08 crore until 2022. The 108 Ambulance Services have been pivotal in saving lives by swiftly transporting injured individuals to hospitals during emergencies. Presently, 108 ambulances and 455 vehicles are operational, with an additional 33 neo-natal ambulances recently introduced. The scheme has provided services to 43,94,413 people, with an expenditure of Rs. 632.17 crore until May 2023. In response to escalating patient numbers, Chief Minister KCR has taken the initiative to expand the Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). The construction of a new state-of-the-art building, estimated at Rs. 1,571 crore, aims to elevate the medical services provided to the underprivileged. This expansion will accommodate 2,000 additional oxygen beds and various medical specialties, further solidifying NIMS’s role as a medical hub.
As part of its mission for a “Healthy Telangana,” the state government has embarked on a mission to establish healthcare dispensaries, even in remote villages. Each village dispensary is being constructed with durable infrastructure, offering essential medical services. A total of 3,206 rural dispensaries have been established, catering to the medical needs of 1 crore 36 lakh people. The government’s commitment to addressing vision-related issues is underscored by the Kanti Velugu Scheme. Designed to provide eye care services to citizens, the Kanti Velugu program has seen enormous success, with over 11 crore eye examinations conducted in the state. The initiative’s success has inspired other states, with some chief ministers pledging to replicate the model. In line with Chief Minister KCR’s compassionate vision, the state government has taken measures to provide palliative care to terminally ill patients, including those with cancer and AIDS. These centers focus on enhancing the quality of life for patients during their final days, providing essential care and comfort. Advancements in Medical Infrastructure: The state’s commitment to enhancing healthcare is exemplified by the expansion of medical colleges, MBBS seats, PG medical seats, and super specialty seats. The construction of new super specialty hospitals and medical institutions is a testament to the government’s dedication to healthcare advancement. With these robust measures and innovative initiatives, Telangana is forging a path towards a healthier, more vibrant future for its citizens.