Andhra Pradesh’s PPP Medical Colleges Plan Faces Criticism
The Andhra Pradesh government approved new medical colleges under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from doctors, civil society groups, and health rights activists. Critics argue the plan will weaken public healthcare and make medical education costly. They say the government is shifting its responsibility to private hands.
The proposal covers ten new colleges. Each college will have 150 MBBS seats. Officials promised that half of the seats will stay under the government quota. They also stated that 70% of hospital beds will be available for patients. According to them, the model is not privatisation. Instead, they describe it as a way to complete projects more efficiently and reduce expenses.
Even so, doctors’ associations remain firm in their opposition. Dr. M.V. Ramanaiah, president of Arogya Vedika, said: “Entrusting healthcare, particularly medical education, to private entities raises serious concerns about accessibility and affordability. This is the government’s responsibility, not something to outsource.”
The Forum for Development of North Andhra (FDNA) also spoke against the move. Aja Sarma from the group said, “Only government-run institutions can ensure affordable and inclusive higher education. The PPP model is neither feasible nor effective.”
Meanwhile, the YSR Congress Party’s doctors’ wing alleged that the government is handing over public institutions to private players. Dr. Ambati Naga Radhakrishna Yadav warned that the plan “will push medical education out of reach for students from economically weaker backgrounds.”
Activists added another concern. They pointed out that several government medical colleges remain incomplete. Construction has stalled in places like Makavarapalem. “If the government itself has failed to complete projects, there is no guarantee private companies will deliver — except with profit as their priority,” said a member of Arogya Vedika.
Healthcare experts stressed that medical colleges also anchor public hospitals. These hospitals serve rural and poor communities. They warned that private operators could undermine this role, even if free services are promised.
In contrast, the state government defended its decision. It claimed the PPP model would save about Rs 3,700 crore in construction costs. It also projected savings of Rs 500 crore a year in operations. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that ownership and regulation will remain with the state. He assured that free services for the poor will continue.
Still, doctors and activists remain unconvinced. As Dr. Ramanaiah concluded: “Healthcare is not a commodity. Once you allow profit into the system, the poor will pay the price.”