Amaravati, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Central Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda inaugurated ten Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) and twelve Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, on September 12. The event was attended by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, along with various MPs, MLAs, senior officials, and health experts.
Nadda emphasized that the inauguration represents a significant step towards strengthening the healthcare system in Andhra Pradesh and the nation. He noted that the CCBs and IPHLs are crucial components of a robust health system, with one aiding in saving lives of critically ill patients and the other helping in early detection of diseases to avert major health crises.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadda highlighted how health emergencies can quickly escalate into economic and social crises. He stated that the pandemic taught us that “health security is national security.”
During the pandemic, many hospitals had to convert into COVID centers, disrupting essential health services. This experience led to the launch of the Prime Minister’s Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, aimed at better preparedness for future health emergencies.
Under this mission, 631 Critical Care Blocks have been approved nationwide, with Andhra Pradesh receiving a budget of ₹1,271.80 crores over five years. The state has been sanctioned 24 CCBs and 26 IPHLs, with an investment of approximately ₹606 crores for the construction of the CCBs.
Nadda pointed out that to provide better treatment for critically ill patients, modern medical facilities are being made available at the district level. For the 26 IPHLs in Andhra Pradesh, ₹32.50 crores have been allocated, with all labs completed. Fourteen labs are already operational, while the remaining twelve were inaugurated during the event.
He stressed the importance of timely disease detection for effectively combating health disasters. Thus, laboratories are not merely testing centers but vital components of the nation’s health security.
The government’s strategy extends beyond just building large hospitals. Primary health services are being delivered to village and community levels through Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, while strengthening Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) is also a priority.
Nadda noted that India’s health policy is evolving to focus on developing a comprehensive health system rather than just expanding hospital infrastructure.
Across the country, over 175,000 Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs have been established, providing services such as diabetes and hypertension screenings, pregnancy check-ups, vaccinations, and more. To date, screenings for diabetes and high blood pressure have been conducted for over 420 million people, along with cancer screenings for millions. The HPV vaccine is also highlighted as a crucial step in cervical cancer prevention.
Vaccination monitoring for children and pregnant women is being conducted through the U-WIN digital platform. Nadda praised Andhra Pradesh for its performance under the Mission Indradhanush initiative.
He reported that the institutional birth rate in India has surpassed 90%, with significant reductions in maternal mortality, neonatal mortality, and mortality rates for children under five. Additionally, tuberculosis cases have decreased, with treatment coverage exceeding 90%.
Nadda commended the contributions of the Andhra Pradesh government, health department, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, lab technicians, ASHA, and ANM workers. He remarked, “Buildings and technology can enhance healthcare capacity, but ultimately, it is people who serve people.” He urged health workers to utilize the new facilities with efficiency, sensitivity, and dignity.
He concluded by stating that Andhra Pradesh’s role in transforming India’s health system is crucial, and the state’s successful model could inspire other regions across the country.
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