YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the proposed privatisation of medical colleges, calling it the “mother of all scams” and warning that the move could irreversibly damage public healthcare in the state. He asserted that the decision undermines the principle that essential services must remain accessible and affordable to all sections of society.
Addressing supporters and party workers, Jagan Reddy said that medical education and healthcare cannot be treated as profit-driven sectors. According to him, the proposed policy would primarily benefit private interests while placing an additional burden on students, patients, and families who rely on government-run institutions for affordable treatment and education.
Mass Public Opposition Through Rachabanda Programmes
Highlighting the scale of resistance, Jagan Reddy stated that more than 1.04 crore people across Andhra Pradesh have expressed opposition to the privatisation proposal. These signatures were collected during ‘rachabanda’ programmes, public meetings, and rallies conducted across districts, reflecting widespread concern among citizens.
The YSRCP chief said the mobilisation demonstrated strong public sentiment against the move. He flagged off vehicles carrying bundles of signed petitions and later met Governor S Abdul Nazeer to formally submit the documents at the Lok Bhawan, urging constitutional intervention to safeguard public interest.
Submission to the Governor and Demand for Withdrawal
During his meeting with the Governor, Jagan Reddy submitted the signed petitions and appealed for immediate attention to what he described as a serious policy misstep. He reiterated that the decision should be withdrawn in the larger interest of public welfare and healthcare equity.
According to YSRCP leaders, the submission was intended to underline that the opposition is not political alone but driven by public concern over the future of medical education, affordability, and access to healthcare services across Andhra Pradesh.
Criticism of the State Government’s Policy Direction
Jagan Reddy strongly criticised Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that the proposed privatisation reflects a shift away from welfare-oriented governance. He argued that governments have a fundamental responsibility to run hospitals, schools, and RTC bus services to shield citizens from excessive commercialisation.
He further stated that privatisation of essential services risks excluding economically weaker sections and could deepen inequalities in access to healthcare and education, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Public Institutions as Pillars of Social Security
Emphasising his broader governance philosophy, Jagan Reddy said public institutions play a crucial role in ensuring social security and inclusive development. He asserted that weakening government control over healthcare infrastructure would have long-term consequences for the state’s ability to respond to public health challenges.
Healthcare experts have also pointed out that government-run medical colleges serve dual purposes—training future doctors and providing tertiary care to the poor—roles that could be compromised if profit considerations take precedence.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy concluded that the fight against medical college privatisation would continue until the decision is rolled back. He maintained that safeguarding public healthcare is a collective responsibility and urged citizens to remain vigilant against policies that could dilute access to essential services.
As the debate intensifies, the issue has emerged as a significant point of contention in Andhra Pradesh’s political and policy discourse, with long-term implications for healthcare governance and medical education in the state.
