In a major healthcare reform, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has approved a universal health policy to provide all families in the State with free medical treatment of up to ₹25 lakh per year.
The scheme merges Ayushman Bharat and NTR Vaidya Seva, extending benefits to 1.63 crore families, regardless of income status. Beneficiaries can access treatment at 2,493 empanelled hospitals, covering 3,257 procedures. A streamlined pre-authorisation system will ensure approvals within six hours.
Medical claims up to ₹2.5 lakh will be managed by insurance companies, while higher costs up to ₹25 lakh will be borne by the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust. The programme covers 1.43 crore economically weaker families and 20 lakh others.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the establishment of 10 new medical colleges under the PPP model in Adoni, Madanapalle, Markapuram, Pulivendula, Penukonda, Palakollu, Amalapuram, Narsipatnam, Bapatla, and Parvathipuram to strengthen medical education and healthcare infrastructure.