Date:29/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/29/stories/2008092953970400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

YSR admits to problems in Arogyasri

Special Correspondent

Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

All ears: BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu, Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and Health Minister G. Aruna Kumari at the inauguration of a private hospital in Hyderabad on Sunday.-

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has admitted to problems in implementation of Rajiv Arogyasri health insurance for poor but emphasised that the programme was a “virtuous” cycle as against a picture of vicious cycle painted by some critics.

Inaugurating the 130-bed STAR Hospitals on Road No. 10 of Banjara Hills here on Sunday, Dr. Reddy explained that the programme benefited not only poor patients but the service and other sectors.

Dr. Reddy disagreed with the argument that the programme was aimed at benefiting the corporate hospitals financially.

Land offered

It was being argued without a proper understanding of the programme. Dr. Reddyasked corporates to expand services to districts for which the government would provide land. He promised three ultra-modern operation theatres at the Gandhi Hospital here. Former BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu, who was also present, felt it should not surprise any one that he shared dais with a Congress Chief Minister as there were no enemies in politics. They could be political rivals but definitely not enemies.

Hospital chairman P. Nagarjuna Reddy and managing director Gopichand Mannam also spoke.