Date:05/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/05/stories/2008050554050400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

YSR seeks help from Telugu NRI doctors

Wants those settled in the USA to help the government in improving healthcare in State

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has asked the Medical and Health Department officials to get in touch with the Telugu doctors settled in US and seek their support in improving the health care system in the State.

“Many doctors hailing from Andhra Pradesh have settled in USA and it will be good, if the government seeks their help to share their knowledge and experience in improving the medical facilities here,” Dr. Reddy remarked while reviewing the Arogyasri health insurance scheme with officials on Sunday.

Universities

When officials explained that some American universities were willing to join hands with the State government to improve facilities in multi-speciality hospitals in the State, Dr. Reddy immediately asked them to submit a detailed report on such offers. Officials also informed him that the super speciality facilities were presently available in major cities in Andhra Pradesh.

Responding to this, Dr. Reddy said the government was keen to provide world class healthcare facilities in the district headquarters also and asked officials to explore with the universities scope for improving them in near future. The Chief Minister advised officials to examine the scope for US doctors from the State investing in establishing super speciality hospitals.

Assurance

He assured officials that if any US company comes forward to support Arogyasri, he would take up the matter with the Centre. He said Arogyasri would be extended all over the State from October 2 to cover 6.5 crore population.