Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Approves Universal Health Policy with ₹25 Lakh Coverage

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has taken several crucial decisions aimed at improving healthcare, infrastructure, education, and consumer welfare in the State. At a meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, wide ranging reforms were approved, including a universal health coverage scheme that integrates existing programmes to benefit all households.

The meeting also saw approvals for new medical colleges, amendments in construction and transport laws, and steps to boost industrial and educational growth.

Universal Health Coverage and Medical Infrastructure

The government approved a universal health policy that merges Ayushman Bharat with the NTR Vaidya Seva programme. Each household will now have access to free medical treatment worth up to ₹25 lakh annually, regardless of income status. This measure is set to benefit around 1.63 crore families across Andhra Pradesh.

As per the approved framework, claims up to ₹2.5 lakh will be settled by insurance providers, while costs beyond that, up to ₹25 lakh, will be borne by the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust. Among the beneficiaries, 1.43 crore families belong to the economically weaker sections, and 20 lakh belong to other groups.

To expand medical infrastructure, the Cabinet also sanctioned the setting up of 10 new medical colleges under the PPP model at Adoni, Madanapalle, Markapuram, Pulivendula, Penukonda, Palakollu, Amalapuram, Narsipatnam, Bapatla, and Parvathipuram.

Reforms in Housing, Consumer Welfare, and Transport

The Cabinet approved a scheme to regularise unauthorised buildings in ULBs, UDAs, and APCRDA areas, excluding the Capital Region. To address urban growth, a Bill will be introduced to raise the maximum permissible height of residential buildings from 18 metres to 24 metres. 

For consumer welfare, beneficiaries of the Deepam-2 scheme currently using 5 kg LPG cylinders will now be allowed to upgrade to 14.2 kg domestic connections, ensuring subsidy parity. This step is expected to benefit 23,912 families across 16 districts, especially in tribal regions.

In the transport sector, amendments to the AP Motor Vehicles Taxation Act were cleared, reducing the green tax on transport vehicles. Instead of quarterly charges, fixed rates of ₹1,500 and ₹3,000 will be levied on tractors and trailers used for commercial activities. This move is expected to reduce the financial burden on transport operators.

Higher education reforms were also passed, with amendments to the AP Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2016. The new structure removes the requirement for mandatory joint degree certification in greenfield and brownfield universities, paving the way for academic flexibility and stronger research capacity.

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Conclusion

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet’s decisions reflect a comprehensive approach to healthcare expansion, infrastructure improvement, and social welfare. By launching one of the most extensive health coverage policies in the country, while also addressing education, transport, and housing needs, the State aims to create a stronger framework for inclusive development.

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