Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has encouraged the Andhra Pradesh government to adopt the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model extensively to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services in the state. Nadda emphasized the benefits of PPP projects in attracting private investment and improving service delivery across various sectors.
The call for PPP adoption comes amidst criticism from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh regarding the alleged privatization of medical colleges. Despite opposition, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has defended the PPP model for constructing medical colleges in the state.
Nadda highlighted the potential of the PPP model in upgrading district hospitals, establishing new medical colleges, and introducing advanced healthcare solutions in underserved regions. He mentioned that the Union government is providing significant financial support to states for PPP projects through the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme.
The Union Health Minister also pointed out the India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF) Scheme, offering financial assistance for project development activities to help states structure sustainable PPP projects. Nadda recommended the establishment of a dedicated PPP Cell within the Andhra Pradesh Health Department for effective coordination and implementation of PPP initiatives.
