Medical services under Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva to remain suspended until dues are cleared

Medical services under Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva are suspended due to unpaid dues, impacting cashless treatments for low-income patients.

The Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospitals’ Association (ASHA) once again suspended all health services being extended to people belonging to weaker economic backgrounds under Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva from Wednesday (April 1) as dues continue to remain unpaid by the State government.

The association had discontinued services in April and October 2025 as well, citing the same reason. The association also expressed disappointment at the budgetary allocation of ₹4,000 crore for the scheme, stating that it was too low.

Over 600 private and 200 government network hospitals in the State provide cashless treatments to people under the scheme, which was earlier known as Aarogyasri. The treatment cost is reimbursed by the government.

In response to the strike call given by ASHA, all private network hospitals have in principle agreed to participate in the strike, said ASHA vice-president S.V.L. Narayana Rao. But, clarity about how many of them actually participated in the strike on the first day will emerge later, he said.

“Patients already admitted to hospitals will continue to receive treatments, but no new registrations will be accepted. All emergency and outpatient services have been suspended,” Dr. Narayana Rao added.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva Trust on March 26, the members wrote that the pending dues increased from ₹2,600 crore to ₹3,000 crore, and that despite assurances to them about time-bound payment, no progress was made. The prolonged delay is severely impacting hospital operations and public health services, they said, adding that they would have no option but to go on a strike from April 1 if there was no response from the government.