Table of Contents
Relevance: APPSC Andhra Pradesh healthcare initiatives
For Prelims:
- National AYUSH Mission, AYUSH dispensaries, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, ITDAs, telemedicine
For Mains:
- Healthcare accessibility, tribal health, preventive care, medical infrastructure and digital health
Why in News?
The Centre has approved a record ₹185.75-crore Annual Action Plan for Andhra Pradesh’s AYUSH sector for 2026–27. It is the highest annual allocation received by the State since the launch of the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) in 2014.The plan supports mobile medical units, dispensary modernisation, free medicines, educational institutions, digitalisation and specialised wellness facilities.
Allocation under the National AYUSH Mission
| Period/financial year | Sanctioned allocation |
| 2014–15 to 2023–24 | ₹120.17 crore |
| 2024–25 | ₹83.23 crore |
| 2025–26 | ₹165.66 crore |
| 2026–27 | ₹185.75 crore |
| Total: 2024–25 to 2026–27 | ₹434.64 crore |
No NAM funds were allocated or released during 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24.
Tribal Healthcare Initiative
The plan provides for 19 mobile medical units across nine Integrated Tribal Development Agency areas, including:
- Rampachodavaram;
- Chintur;
- Parvathipuram; and
- Paderu.
Each mobile team will include:
- an AYUSH medical officer; and
- a multipurpose health worker.
The units will provide tribal communities with:
- free medical examinations;
- free medicines;
- health awareness; and
- nutritional awareness.
Strengthening Dispensaries and Education
Dispensary Modernisation
A total of 64 AYUSH dispensaries will be modernised at a cost of ₹12.80 crore.
Free Medicines
An allocation of ₹22.16 crore has been made to provide free medicines through 712 dispensaries.
Educational Institutions
The plan provides ₹38.84 crore for strengthening AYUSH educational institutions.
Digitalisation of AYUSH Services
The plan includes:
- digitalisation of 601 dispensaries;
- laptops for 157 AYUSH medical officers;
- connectivity at 126 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs; and
- telemedicine services.
These measures are intended to strengthen digital administration and extend medical consultation beyond physical facilities.
Specialised Treatment Facilities
De-addiction and Teaching Hospitals
The approved plan provides for:
- four alcohol de-addiction centres;
- Panchakarma facilities at four teaching hospitals; and
- yoga facilities at four teaching hospitals.
Sports Medicine
An AYUSH Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence will be established at Kadapa.
Special Therapy Units
The Dr A.L. Government Ayurvedic Hospital in Vijayawada will receive:
- a special Akshi Tarpana unit; and
- a herbal Kwatha therapy unit.
Wellness and Integrated Healthcare Facilities
The plan supports:
- 58 speciality wellness centres;
- six integrated AYUSH hospitals with 50 beds each;
- naturopathy units in NRHM dispensaries;
- yoga wellness centres at the State Secretariat;
- yoga wellness centres in four major prisons; and
- an AYUSH clinic on the High Court premises.
Conclusion
The ₹185.75-crore plan significantly expands Andhra Pradesh’s AYUSH infrastructure. Its focus on tribal outreach, dispensary modernisation, free medicines, digitalisation and specialised care can widen healthcare access. Timely implementation and continuous monitoring will be essential to convert the allocation into effective services.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Andhra Pradesh’s AYUSH Annual Action Plan for 2026–27:
- It provides for mobile medical units in ITDA areas.
- It supports the digitalisation of AYUSH dispensaries.
- The AYUSH Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence will be established in Vijayawada.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct: Nineteen mobile medical units will serve nine ITDA areas.
- Statement 2 is correct: The plan provides for digitalisation of 601 dispensaries.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence will be established at Kadapa, not Vijayawada.
FAQs
1. What is the approved allocation for 2026–27?
The Centre has approved ₹185.75 crore for Andhra Pradesh’s AYUSH Annual Action Plan.
2. How will tribal areas benefit?
Nineteen mobile medical units will operate across nine ITDA areas and provide free examinations, medicines and awareness services.
3. How many dispensaries will receive free medicines?
Free medicines will be supplied through 712 dispensaries.
4. What digital initiatives are included?
The plan covers digitalisation of 601 dispensaries, laptops for 157 medical officers, connectivity at 126 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and telemedicine.
5. Where will the Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence be established?
It will be established at Kadapa.
6. How many integrated AYUSH hospitals are supported?
The plan supports six integrated AYUSH hospitals, each with 50 beds.
