Andhra Pradesh Universal Health Insurance Scheme to Cover 5 Crore People

Andhra Pradesh is all set to change how people access healthcare with its new universal health insurance scheme. This scheme aims to give quality health services to about 5 crore people in the state. This big scheme, which works using both the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Dr NTR Vaidya Seva, promises great benefits for everyone living here, making healthcare easier and cheaper to get. This is a big step to make sure all citizens, no matter how much money they have, can get medical help when they need it. Let’s look into what makes this universal health insurance scheme special and other important decisions made by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet.

Andhra Pradesh’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme: Key Features

The state government’s promise to help its people is clear with this large health insurance program. It’s designed to protect a lot of people, making sure that medical emergencies don’t cause financial problems.

Who is Covered Under the Scheme?

With this universal health insurance scheme, almost 5 crore people in Andhra Pradesh can get quality health services. This covers almost everyone in the state, except for those already part of the Employees’ Health Scheme. It’s good to know that working journalists are also included in the scheme, so they get full health benefits too. The coverage goes up to Rs 25 lakh per year for those who use it.

Health Coverage Limits and Services

• The scheme provides strong financial protection through health insurance.
• Insurance companies will cover between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh.
• For Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust offers extended coverage up to ₹25 lakh per year.
• The scheme includes 3,257 health services, covering a wide range of medical needs.
• With most treatments and procedures included, beneficiaries get complete peace of mind.

Streamlined Approval Process for Patients

To make sure patients get medical help quickly, the scheme has a much simpler approval process. Patients who go to hospitals will get approvals within just six hours. To help this happen fast, a special control room will be set up at the NTR Trust. This will be the main place to manage and speed up these approvals. Getting approvals this fast is very important for good treatment, especially in serious cases.

Expansion of Medical Education in AP

To improve medical facilities and training, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has agreed to start 10 new medical colleges. These colleges will be built in Adoni, Madanapalli, Markapuram, Pulivendula, Penugonda, Palacole, Amalapuram, Narsipatnam, Bapatla, and Parvathiuram. This will be done through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and admissions are expected to start from the academic year 2027-28. This expansion should help increase the number of trained doctors in the state.

Other Significant Cabinet Decisions

Besides the important health insurance scheme, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet made several other key decisions that affect different areas. This shows they are looking at governance and development in a complete way.

Land Pooling and Cluster Development

Some important approvals were given for land pooling and cluster development. The Cabinet has waived stamp duty for lands given to schools and hospitals in Amaravati, making it easier to build important social facilities. Also, 59,375 buildings that were not authorized as of August 31, 2025, have been made legal. This helps sort out old problems in city planning. An important approval was also given to pool 78.01 acres in Atmakuru, Mangalagiri mandal, to start the Mangalagiri Gold Cluster Scheme. This is a big scheme to help local goldsmiths.

Housing and Urban Development Initiatives

For city development, the Cabinet looked at a plan to allow buildings to be taller, increasing the height limit from the current 18 meters to 24 meters. This change should help cities grow upwards and use land better. Making unauthorized buildings legal is also part of these city development efforts.

Deepam 2.0 Scheme and Gas Cylinder Distribution

Under the Deepam 2.0 scheme, the Cabinet has approved giving out 14.2 kg gas cylinders. This scheme will help 23,912 people living in agency areas across 16 districts, giving them better access to clean cooking fuel.

Investment Promotion and Infrastructure

Attracting investments is still a main goal, with the Cabinet approving investments that were cleared by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB). Also, Rs 5.7 crore has been set aside for the necessary repair and upkeep of 392 irrigation structures across the state, which helps keep agriculture stable. In a big boost for the electronics industry, 26.70 acres of land have been given to electronics companies that plan to invest Rs 1,595 crore in Naidupet. This will create jobs for 2,168 people.

Green Tax Reduction on Vehicles

To encourage vehicle owners and possibly help the car industry, the Cabinet has decided to lower the green tax on vehicles. A bill for this will be presented in the next Assembly meeting, showing a move towards tax policies that are better for vehicle owners.