Telangana Dy CM Stresses Affordable, Accessible Healthcare for All
Hyderabad, June 20 (TNT): Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Saturday stressed the need to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all sections of society, saying the health of citizens is the true measure of development.
Addressing the India Health Summit here, he said healthcare should not be viewed merely as a government programme but as a fundamental necessity for every citizen.
Observing that a serious illness can push entire families into financial distress, the Deputy Chief Minister said affordable healthcare systems are essential to ensure that poor people can seek treatment without fear of economic hardship.
Tracing the evolution of India’s public healthcare system, he referred to the establishment of premier medical institutions such as AIIMS, the launch of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the Universal Immunization Programme, the National Rural Health Mission and the ASHA worker network, describing them as milestones in strengthening healthcare delivery.
He also highlighted the role of the Aarogyasri scheme in providing access to advanced medical treatment for economically weaker sections and said such initiatives have enhanced confidence among poor families in accessing quality healthcare.
Bhatti said advances in medical technology, telemedicine and digital healthcare should benefit all sections of society and not remain confined to corporate healthcare institutions.
Emphasising preventive healthcare, he said the existing treatment-oriented model should gradually evolve into a wellness-based system focused on disease prevention and early intervention.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Telangana is strengthening district hospitals, expanding medical education infrastructure and promoting nursing and paramedical education as part of its efforts to build a robust healthcare ecosystem.
He also underlined the importance of public-private partnerships in healthcare, stating that such collaborations should combine government objectives with private-sector expertise to improve service delivery.
Stating that Telangana is well-positioned to meet future healthcare requirements, he said Hyderabad’s strong pharmaceutical base, Medical Devices Park, information technology ecosystem and skilled workforce have enabled the state to emerge as a major hub for healthcare, life sciences and medical innovation.
He expressed confidence that Telangana would play a significant role in developing new healthcare solutions, diagnostics and digital health platforms for both India and the global market.
TNT TS
