Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated 22 healthcare facilities in Andhra Pradesh, comprising 10 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs), as part of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The inauguration ceremony was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu and State Health Minister Shri Satya Kumar Yadav, along with legislators and healthcare professionals.
Facility Details and Locations
The 10 Critical Care Blocks are located at: GMC Kadapa, ACSR GMC Nellore, GMC Srikakulam, AMC Visakhapatnam, GMC Ongole, District Hospital Anakapalli, GMC Rajamahendravaram, KMC Kurnool, District Hospital Hindupur, and SMC Vijayawada. The 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories are situated at: Area Hospital Seethampeta, Area Hospital Guntakal, Area Hospital Palamaner, Area Hospital Aganampudi, Area Hospital Nandigama, Area Hospital Chirala, Area Hospital Araku, Area Hospital Narasaraopeta, Area Hospital Banaganapalli, Area Hospital Anaparthy, Area Hospital Tuni, and Area Hospital Gudur.
PM-ABHIM Scheme and Funding
The Government of India has sanctioned ₹1,271.80 crore for Andhra Pradesh under PM-ABHIM for the five-year scheme period across four components: Critical Care Blocks, Integrated Public Health Laboratories, Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and Rural Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Specifically for Andhra Pradesh, 24 Critical Care Blocks have been sanctioned with an estimated investment of approximately ₹606 crore, while 26 Integrated Public Health Laboratories have been allocated ₹32.50 crore. Civil works for all 26 IPHLs have been completed, with 14 already functional and the remaining 12 inaugurated today.
National Context and Objectives
PM-ABHIM represents a fundamental shift in India's approach to public health infrastructure, conceived after COVID-19 demonstrated that health security is national security. The scheme aims to strengthen the health system's ability to respond to future pandemics and public health emergencies while ensuring continuity of routine healthcare. Nationwide, the Government has sanctioned 631 Critical Care Blocks across states and union territories, creating a network of critical-care capacity. The objective is to create a health system that is prepared, connected, resilient, and capable of responding to future health emergencies.
Healthcare Transformation Outcomes
Shri Nadda highlighted significant health outcomes achieved under India's health-system transformation. Institutional deliveries reached over 90% in 2023-24, while maternal mortality ratio declined by 86% compared to global decline of 48%. Under-five mortality declined by 79% against global decline of 61%, and neonatal mortality declined by 70% against global decline of 54%. TB incidence declined by 25% compared to global decline of 12%, with treatment coverage crossing 90%. Out-of-pocket expenditure declined to 43.4%, indicating increased financial protection for citizens. The country's health infrastructure has expanded with 16 new AIIMS established in 12 years, totaling 23 AIIMS nationwide.
Andhra Pradesh Initiatives
The Union Minister praised Andhra Pradesh's Sanjeevani programme for taking healthcare to people's doorsteps and facilitating testing for 41 health parameters. He expressed interest in examining the potential of replicating this model at the national level. Andhra Pradesh has performed well under Mission Indradhanush, demonstrating strong commitment to immunization coverage.
Background and Implementation
The Government of India sanctioned 24 Critical Care Blocks and 26 Integrated Public Health Laboratories with an estimated amount of ₹647.51 crore under PM-ABHIM to Andhra Pradesh. CCBs aim to strengthen critical healthcare infrastructure and ensure timely access to advanced treatment for critically ill patients during pandemics, disasters, and public health emergencies. IPHLs strengthen disease surveillance, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and improve public health response at district level, enabling early detection of outbreaks and evidence-based decision-making.