YS Sharmila Alleges Conspiracy to Undermine Aarogyasri Scheme

YS Sharmila, Andhra Pradesh Congress chief, criticized the coalition government for allegedly rendering the Aarogyasri health scheme ineffective. She accused the government of turning Aarogyasri into “Anarogyasri,” claiming it has failed to safeguard the health interests of the poor. “Aarogyasri is a lifeline for those suffering from life-threatening diseases. It is the brainchild of the late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, designed to provide hope and affordable healthcare to the poor,” said Sharmila.

She alleged that the coalition government is deliberately weakening the scheme by withholding pending payments amounting to ₹3,000 crore. “By failing to clear these dues and allowing medical services to halt, this administration is conspiring to dismantle Aarogyasri. Despite boasting about prioritizing healthcare, it is playing with the lives of the people by putting the scheme at risk,” Sharmila charged.

Sharmila further demanded that the government immediately address the issue by clearing all outstanding payments. “Regardless of the fact that these dues were left unpaid by the previous government, it is now your government’s responsibility to ensure that hospitals are paid. We demand that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu invite hospital managements for discussions and release the pending ₹3,000 crore without delay,” she said, addressing the media via the social platform X.

Calling for urgent action, Sharmila insisted on the restoration of Aarogyasri services and emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of the scheme. She urged the government to ensure that there are no further disruptions in healthcare services provided under Aarogyasri.