Hyderabad, July 17 (RAHNUMA): Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka stated that government expenditure on healthcare and education should not be seen merely as free welfare, but as a long-term investment in human resources that will enhance the State’s Gross Domestic Product.
Under the aegis of the Insurance Medical Services (IMS) department, the Deputy Chief Minister, along with Labour Minister Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy, distributed appointment letters to 247 newly selected nursing officers at Sevalal Bhavan, Hyderabad on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed concern that during the previous decade, workers’ rights and minimum wages were severely neglected.
Bhatti Vikramarka recalled that, as a former opposition leader, he had consistently raised the issue of minimum wage revision in every Assembly budget session, but the then government failed to respond adequately.
He appreciated Labour Minister Vivek Venkatswamy for taking special initiative upon assuming office and successfully issuing long-pending orders on minimum wage revisions. Bhatti Vikramarka also assured that, based on the Minister’s request, provisions would be made to release ₹30 crore through a green channel to ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines in ESI hospitals for the poor.
He stated that the government aims to transform ESI hospitals to provide quality healthcare services to workers and their families. As part of this, advanced dialysis units, CT scan facilities, burns wards, and cardiac care centres are being rapidly established, while existing infrastructure is being modernised.
To further strengthen the healthcare sector, Bhatti Vikramarka announced that shortages of doctors and paramedical staff will be addressed. In the coming days, the government will fill additional posts including 120 Civil Assistant Surgeons, 6 Dental Civil Surgeons, 99 Pharmacists, 34 Lab Technicians, 54 ANMs, and other paramedical staff.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government is taking war-footing measures to make super-specialty healthcare services accessible to all citizens.
“Construction of multi super-specialty hospitals in Sanathnagar ESI, LB Nagar, Alwal, and Warangal is being accelerated with monthly fund releases. Expansion works of NIMS are also being given top priority. The State is being developed into one with the highest average bed capacity in the country, with around 44,029 beds. Approximately 75 lakh people are receiving quality healthcare services through Insurance Medical Services,” he said.
Bhatti Vikramarka stated that, in addition to the existing 16 medical colleges, the government has sanctioned 9 new medical colleges, 16 nursing colleges, and 28 paramedical colleges.
