Union Health Minister JP Nadda has stated that safeguarding public health is essential for national security. He was speaking after inaugurating 10 Critical Care Blocks and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories in Andhra Pradesh today, in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav.

Mr Nadda said the new facilities will strengthen the State’s ability to provide critical care and detect disease threats early. He said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for health infrastructure that can respond to emergencies without affecting routine healthcare services. The Minister said the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission was launched with this objective.

Under the scheme, 631 Critical Care Blocks have been sanctioned across the country. In Andhra Pradesh, one thousand 271 crore 80 lakh rupees has been allocated for the five-year scheme period under four key components of Critical Care Blocks, Integrated Public Health Laboratories, Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Rural Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Mr. Nadda said 24 Critical Care Blocks have been sanctioned in Andhra Pradesh at an estimated cost of about 606 crore rupees. He said more than one lakh 75 thousand Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to provide comprehensive primary healthcare closer to people’s homes. He highlighted the progress in screening for diabetes, hypertension and various cancers, along with the introduction of HPV vaccination.

He also noted improvements in maternal and child health indicators, TB control and reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. The Minister praised Andhra Pradesh’s Sanjeevani programme for providing testing for 41 health parameters closer to communities and expressed interest in exploring its replication at the national level.