Andhra Pradesh Boosts Healthcare Funding Across Nine Centres

The government of Andhra Pradesh has announced plans to enhance basic amenities at nine Community Health Centres (CHCs) with an investment of Rs. 51.75 crore. This initiative aims to improve medical and healthcare services for patients throughout the state, as confirmed by Minister of Health Satya Kumar Yadav in a statement released on Thursday.

New facilities will be developed at CHCs located in Amudalavalasa, Chodavaram, Kamkipadu, Ponnuru, Kanigiri, Udayagiri, Chennur (Kadapa), Pathikonda, and Kalyanadurgam. The upgrades will include additional wards, diagnostic blocks, out-patient blocks, blood testing centres, operation theatres, and mortuaries. These improvements are designed to meet the growing demand from patients utilizing both out-patient and in-patient services.

In his statement, Yadav also indicated that the government plans to enhance facilities at a total of 173 CHCs in response to the increasing healthcare needs of the population.

Political Tensions Rise Over District Reorganisation

In related news, political tensions have escalated in Kurnool as leaders from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), YSR Congress Party (YSRC), and other organisations staged a rally in Veldurthi. They demanded that the Veldurthi mandal remain within Kurnool district following the recent reorganisation of districts.

Residents fear that Veldurthi, which is part of the Pathikonda constituency, may be absorbed into the proposed Adoni district. The protest commenced at the old bus stand, where leaders paid tribute to statues of Telugu Talli and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar before marching to the tahsildar’s office to submit a formal request. TDP leader Subbarayudu announced plans to present another representation to a visiting ministerial team on October 29, urging local citizens to participate actively.

Allegations of Political Suppression by YSRC

In a separate development, senior leaders from the YSRC, led by regional coordinator Karumuri Nageswara Rao and MLC Parvathireddy Chandrasekhar Reddy, convened at the Nellore district SP office to voice concerns regarding alleged politically motivated charges against their party members. They submitted a memorandum calling for an end to what they described as “false cases” that have emerged following former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s recent visit to the district.

Nageswara Rao claimed that the coalition government was targeting YSRC members through arrests and police action during Reddy’s public engagements. He stressed that many attendees at the event were merely exercising their right to meet their leader. Reddy further accused the police of acting under the influence of the ruling party, noting that over 25 cases have been filed, including serious allegations against former MLA Ramireddy Prathap Kumar Reddy.

The YSRC leaders warned that the ongoing use of police for political suppression could instigate public unrest and signaled their willingness to escalate their protests if the situation does not improve.

Legal Actions Against Forest Staff Assault

In a further incident, the Srisailam One Town police have filed charges against Jana Sena leader Ashok Routh and legislator Budda Rajasekhar Reddy after a complaint from a driver of a forest patrolling vehicle. The complaint alleges an attack on forest staff during an incident on Tuesday night.

The charges include obstructing public servants and causing injuries, with reports suggesting that some of the assailants may have been under the influence of alcohol. The attack reportedly occurred when the forest officers attempted to enforce compliance with regulations regarding vehicle use in protected areas.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan expressed their disapproval of the incident, instructing police to investigate thoroughly and file appropriate charges.

Collaboration Needed to Combat Financial Crimes

In a meeting focused on law enforcement, the Director General of Police (CID), Dr. Ravi Shankar Ayyannar, urged banks in Andhra Pradesh to enhance their cooperation in combating financial fraud. The meeting, held at the CID headquarters in Mangalagiri, included senior banking officials and was aimed at addressing unresolved banking fraud cases.

Dr. Ayyannar highlighted the importance of timely information sharing from banks to facilitate investigations. He referenced the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, emphasizing the procedural requirements for investigating public servants. A total of 98 petitions were reported pending under Section 17(A), which mandates prior approval for investigations.

The meeting concluded with a call for sustained collaboration between financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to restore public trust and ensure justice for victims of financial fraud.

YSRC Affirms Support for NDA Vice-President Candidate

In a political announcement, YSRC leader Botsa Satyanarayana confirmed the party’s support for the NDA’s vice-presidential candidate, Radhakrishnan. During a press conference, Satyanarayana asserted that the YSRC sees no advantage in backing opposition nominees, given the NDA’s existing majority.

He recalled a historical precedent where the YSRC, then in opposition, supported a ruling Congress candidate. Satyanarayana dismissed calls from Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to support a Telugu candidate, stating that the YSRC would not consider such appeals, citing Radhakrishnan’s South Indian roots as a positive factor.

These developments reflect the dynamic political landscape in Andhra Pradesh as various factions navigate local and state issues, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and political accountability.