PAV Criticizes Andhra Pradesh’s Move to Privatize Government Medical Colleges

The Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV) has strongly opposed the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to privatize newly sanctioned government medical colleges. The civil society group has demanded an immediate rollback of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) notification, arguing that it goes against the government’s constitutional duty to provide affordable medical education and healthcare for all.

In a letter to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, PAV leaders raised concerns over the plan to transfer 10 government medical colleges to private entities. They argue that this move will weaken the public health system and make medical education less accessible to poorer students.

PAV highlighted that 17 new medical colleges were sanctioned as part of a NITI Aayog initiative to establish one medical college per Lok Sabha constituency. While five of these colleges are already operational, two more in tribal areas are progressing with full Central funding.

The group, however, views the decision to privatize 10 colleges as a “betrayal of public trust.” PAV claims that privatization will limit access to medical education and turn healthcare into a luxury only the wealthy can afford.

PAV also rejected the government’s reasons for the move, which include shortages in infrastructure, experts, and funds. The group explained that each college requires ₹500 crore, with 80% of the funding provided by the Central government. The remaining 20% can be raised through the state’s budget or loans from institutions like NABARD. With many colleges near completion, only Rs 50-60 crore is needed to finish them. PAV argues that handing these colleges over to private players is a misuse of public funds.

PAV has called on Chief Minister Naidu to halt the privatization and prioritize the public’s needs over corporate interests.