YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday flagged off vehicles carrying crores of signatures collected from across Andhra Pradesh opposing the proposed privatization of government medical colleges. The vehicles were sent from the party’s central office in Tadepalli to Lok Bhavan as part of a coordinated public outreach campaign.
The initiative aims to highlight widespread public concern over the potential impact of privatization on access to affordable healthcare and medical education, particularly for students from economically weaker sections.
Public Opposition Reflected Through Mass Signature Drive
According to party leaders, the signature campaign witnessed participation from citizens across districts, including students, parents, healthcare professionals, and civil society members. The collected signatures represent a collective appeal urging authorities to reconsider policies related to the privatization of medical institutions.
YSRCP leaders stated that government medical colleges play a critical role in ensuring equitable access to medical education and strengthening the public healthcare system.
Concerns Over Access and Affordability
Addressing party members, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy reiterated that privatization of medical colleges could lead to increased fees, reduced opportunities for students from rural and marginalized backgrounds, and long-term strain on the public healthcare infrastructure.
He emphasized that government-run medical colleges are essential for producing doctors who serve in public hospitals and rural health centres, contributing directly to the state’s healthcare delivery system.
Healthcare as a Public Responsibility
Mr. Reddy underscored that healthcare and medical education should remain public responsibilities rather than profit-driven sectors. He noted that policy decisions affecting medical colleges must be evaluated through the lens of social justice, public welfare, and long-term healthcare needs.
The YSRCP president also called for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes related to higher education and healthcare reforms.
Political and Policy Implications
The campaign has added to the ongoing political discourse surrounding healthcare policy in Andhra Pradesh. Party leaders indicated that the signatures would be formally submitted as a representation to authorities, urging them to halt privatization plans and engage in wider consultations.
Observers note that the issue is likely to remain central to debates on public healthcare and education policy in the state in the coming weeks.
Commitment to Protect Public Healthcare
Concluding the event, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy reaffirmed his party’s commitment to protecting public healthcare institutions and ensuring that quality medical education remains accessible and affordable for all sections of society.
He stated that public voices must be respected and that decisions impacting future generations should be taken with due responsibility and sensitivity.