Political Battle Escalates in Andhra Pradesh Over Medical College Privatization Plan

The dispute over medical college development under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in Andhra Pradesh has intensified into a significant political conflict between the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the YSR Congress Party.

The YSRCP has organized widespread demonstrations throughout the state, gathering 1 crore signatures opposing the PPP initiative, while TDP representatives presented robust counterarguments in Parliament on Monday.

Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy plans to present the collected signatures to the Governor on December 18. YSRCP Members of Parliament conducted a protest at Makar Dwar in New Delhi, displaying placards against the state government's policy. Parliamentary Party leader YV Subba Reddy headed the demonstration, accompanied by MPs Mithun Reddy, Gurumurthy, Avinash Reddy, Tanuja Rani, and Ayodhya Rami Reddy.

During a media briefing, Subba Reddy expressed concern that privatization would negatively impact public healthcare and render medical education financially inaccessible for ordinary families. He noted that party representatives had met with the Union Finance Minister to express their concerns.

The issue simultaneously triggered heated exchanges in the Lok Sabha. TDP MP Kesineni Sivanath claimed that the YSRCP was providing misleading information to students and parents. He argued that the party failed to establish medical colleges during its administration and therefore lacks credibility in opposing current development efforts.

In Amaravati, TDP spokesperson Nilyapalem Vijay Kumar defended the PPP approach, noting that it aligns with national policy and expert recommendations.

He cited a recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report highlighting the doctor shortage across the country, arguing that expanding medical education through PPP represents the only viable solution to address future healthcare demands.

While the TDP-led government remains committed to implementing the PPP strategy, YSRCP leaders have stated that protests will persist until the government reverses its decision regarding medical colleges.