Hyderabad: Aarogyasri services expanded to cover 9.45 lakh people since the Congress government assumed office, Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha told the Assembly on Thursday.
During Question Hour, he responded to queries on Aarogyasri dues and services. He said the government significantly increased outreach under the scheme.
He stated that earlier governments provided services to about 2.5 lakh people annually. Now, that number has risen to 4 lakh per year under the current administration.
Aarogyasri services expanded with higher payments
The minister said the government increased payments to network hospitals. Earlier, authorities paid an average of Rs 52 crore per month. Now, the government releases around Rs 89 crore every month.
He said this increase ensured smoother functioning of hospitals under the scheme. As a result, Aarogyasri services expanded steadily across the state.
The minister added that the government was clearing pending dues in a phased manner. This approach helped maintain trust among network hospitals.
Aarogyasri services expanded as dues reduced
He said the previous government left Rs 600 crore in Aarogyasri dues and Rs 130 crore under the EHS scheme. The present government has been reducing these dues consistently.
Since December 8, 2023, the government has paid over Rs 2,400 crore. Currently, dues to private hospitals stand at only Rs 250 crore, he said.
He rejected opposition claims that private hospitals were refusing Aarogyasri services. Instead, he said participation had increased significantly.
Aarogyasri services expanded with hospital network growth
The minister said the number of network hospitals rose from 330 to 537 after the government took office. He described this increase as proof of improved performance.
He added that the government expanded services to remote districts such as Mulugu and Narayanpet. These efforts ensured better access to healthcare in underserved regions.
He reiterated that Aarogyasri services expanded remained a key priority for the government.