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Noting the resounding success of Andhra Pradesh’s standout healthcare program ‘Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha’, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, today conducted a comprehensive review of the first-of-its-kind initiative with collectors at his camp office via video conferencing.
The program that was started on September 30 will culminate on November 9. The programme would be held regularly from January 2024, the chief minister told the officials.
In the review meeting, chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy lauded the health department officials for the seamless delivery of healthcare services to lakhs of citizens across the state and for the successful implementation of the program.
Apprising Chief Minister Jagan about the success of the campaign, the officials informed that the state government has diligently visited every household, screened and tested individuals, and organized camps for testing and administering medications. The health screening has been completed for 1.44 crore families, with 6.4 crore rapid tests conducted, officials stated.
The Chief Minister was further informed that the scheduled medical camps are nearing completion, with 98% of the 10,032 village secretariats and 77% of the ward secretariats having successfully conducted these camps.
Eye care has also been a significant part of the program, with 8.7 lakh people undergoing eye tests, 5.22 lakh people being provided eyeglasses, and over 73 thousand individuals opting for eye surgeries. All these surgeries are expected to be completed by the end of December.
The health department officials stated that the officials also focused on diagnosing and treating patients with hypertension, diabetes, leprosy, tuberculosis, and hearing problems. Early intervention, such as cochlear implants for children with hearing issues, was a priority. They have identified such patients and have referred them to be provided with immediate health care.
As of November 5, approximately 85,000 patients detected through the JAS camps have been referred to network hospitals or medical colleges (teaching hospitals) for further treatment. The government is actively tracking their progress through a mobile app and ensuring they receive the necessary care.
Health officials further informed the Chief Minister that those health cases which are not covered under Arogyasri Procedures will be referred to district hospitals and teaching hospitals for free medical treatment.
Moreover, steps are being taken to provide Rs. 500 travel expenses to these patients when they visit referral hospitals.
In the next phase, the government wants to provide optimal care and services to the patients who have been screened and detected with detrimental diseases during the camps. While asking the officials to ensure optimum care, CM Jagan said, ‘It shall be ensured that all the patients detected in the Suraksha Camps are provided free and suitable health care until they are completely healed.’
The Chief Minister further stated that ‘Special consideration shall be given to diseases not covered under Arogyasri, ensuring free treatment for all. To support those suffering from expensive chronic diseases, the officials should ensure that the government is providing necessary medications and mapping them to village ward secretariats, village clinics, and family doctors.’
