Andhra Pradesh leaders slam PPP move for medical colleges

Former IAS officer P.V. Ramesh criticised the TDP-led coalition government on Sunday. He opposed its plan to run government medical colleges under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He called the move a “violation of the constitutional right to life.”

Speaking at a State-level convention in Vijayawada, Ramesh said the plan shifted critical public responsibilities to private hands. He accused the government of “using financial constraints as a pretext to divert public assets to its associates.” He added that providing healthcare is the State’s fundamental duty.

Leaders from political, student, and social organisations demanded the immediate withdrawal of G.O. No. 590. The order allows 10 government medical colleges to operate under the PPP model.

CPI State secretary K. Ramakrishna criticised the government for “handing over every sector to private players.” CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao demanded SBI reports on medical colleges be made public. He accused the government of destroying the public sector under Vision-2047.

Senior Congress leader N. Thulasi Reddy alleged privatisation was driven by commissions. He warned it undermined institutions that long produced skilled doctors. Andhra Pradesh Medicos’ Association president A. Venkateswarlu said even a fraction of concessions for the proposed Google data centre could benefit medical education and create jobs.

Former MLC K.S. Lakshmana Rao and ex-Minister Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao called the move irresponsible. V. Lakshmana Reddy demanded revocation of G.O. 590 and earlier self-financing G.O.s 107 and 108. He said developed nations keep education and healthcare under government control.

The convention resolved to maintain pressure with State-wide protests. It also announced the formation of the AP Government Colleges’ Protection Committee. Ramesh will serve as chairman, Venkateswarlu as convener, and other leaders as co-conveners.