YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has taken a firm stand against the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to privatise government medical colleges under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Calling the move a “brazen example of corruption,” he announced that the colleges would be restored to full government control if his party returns to power.
The controversy began after the Andhra Pradesh cabinet approved the proposal to develop 10 new medical colleges through private participation. According to the state’s Information and Public Relations Minister, the colleges were part of the 17 medical institutions originally sanctioned during the previous administration.
Concerns About Privatization in Public Healthcare
The decision has triggered debate over how healthcare infrastructure should be developed and funded. Public medical colleges historically serve as training grounds for doctors from economically weaker backgrounds and provide affordable healthcare access to rural and urban populations.
Critics argue that privatization could affect accessibility, fees, student admissions, and hospital services linked to these colleges. Concerns include:
- Higher education and treatment costs
- Reduced admission opportunities for local students
- Corporate influence on public medical infrastructure
- Risk of commercializing essential public health services
Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasized that medical education should remain a governmental responsibility, not a business avenue.
Why the Issue Has Political Significance
Medical college expansion has been a priority for Andhra Pradesh in recent years. The rapid construction of new colleges is intended to improve doctor availability, expand healthcare networks, and support district-level hospitals.
However, using private partnerships for operating and managing institutions has sparked questions about:
- Transparency in agreements
- Long-term control of public facilities
- Accountability for service quality
- Public expenditure vs. private profit
Jagan Mohan Reddy has framed the decision as a conflict between public welfare and commercial interest.
Political Response and Future Outlook
Addressing party workers and the public, Reddy stated that the move “exposes the true face of corruption” and pledged that the colleges would be restored to state ownership once his party forms government again. The statement signals a major election issue, with healthcare and education expected to feature strongly in upcoming campaigns.
As the debate continues, the impact of the decision will be closely watched—particularly by students, medical professionals, and families who depend on government-run institutions for affordable treatment and training.
