Andhra Pradesh Requests ₹257 Crore to Expand Traditional Medicine Infrastructure
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced a major funding proposal to the National AYUSH Mission for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The initiative aims to build new specialized colleges and hospitals while addressing critical staffing vacancies.
Key takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh is seeking ₹257 crore from the National AYUSH Mission for the 2026-27 financial year to boost traditional medicine.
- The state government plans to establish six integrated AYUSH hospitals and three specialized medical colleges costing ₹210 crore.
- A zero-vacancy policy is being considered to address staffing shortages in the AYUSH and Food Safety departments.
- Government officials approved 58 Ayurveda surgical procedures, pending further public awareness and stakeholder consultations.
Strategic Expansion of AYUSH Services
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav revealed that Andhra Pradesh has formally requested ₹257 crore from the National AYUSH Mission for the 2026–27 financial year. Speaking at the AYUSH Government Doctors' Conference in Vijayawada, Yadav detailed a multi-year effort to modernize the state's healthcare infrastructure. This latest funding request follows successful allocations of ₹85 crore in 2024–25 and ₹166 crore in 2025–26, highlighting a consistent upward trend in central support for traditional medicine.
Infrastructure and Education Projects
The state's development roadmap includes a ₹210 crore investment to upgrade Ayurveda colleges in Dharmavaram and Pithapuram, alongside a Unani college in Proddatur. Integrated AYUSH hospitals, representing an investment of ₹15 crore per facility, are slated for Tirupati, Giddalur, Nandigama, Tenali, Tekkali, and Rampachodavaram. Furthermore, the ₹70-crore Naturopathy Medical College in Visakhapatnam and several AYUSH Health Mandir buildings are currently entering their final construction phases.
Policy and Workforce Management
The Health Minister confirmed that 216 AYUSH doctors joined the state workforce since 2024. To ensure sustained service delivery, the government plans to implement a zero-vacancy policy for the AYUSH and Food Safety departments after upcoming discussions with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Regarding clinical practice, the government has approved 58 Ayurveda surgical procedures. However, officials stated that implementation will wait for comprehensive stakeholder dialogue and public awareness campaigns. Yadav clarified that while the state prioritizes traditional medicine, allopathy remains the primary choice for emergency interventions and complex surgical needs.
Key Facts
- Proposed funding for 2026-27 stands at ₹257 crore under the National AYUSH Mission.
- Six new integrated hospitals are planned for regions including Tirupati and Tenali.
- Three specialized medical colleges in Dharmavaram, Pithapuram, and Proddatur will receive ₹210 crore for development.
- A ₹70-crore Naturopathy Medical College in Visakhapatnam is nearing operational readiness.
- The state has recruited 216 AYUSH doctors since the beginning of 2024.
Source: The Hindu — National
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