Is Jagan Protesting Against the Privatisation of Medical Colleges?
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Synopsis
In an impactful display of solidarity, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, former Chief Minister and leader of the YSR Congress Party, is rallying support against the privatisation of medical colleges. This movement aims to safeguard accessible healthcare and education for the underprivileged, showcasing the party's commitment to public welfare amidst rising concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Protest against medical college privatisation is being led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
- One crore signatures campaign aims to advocate for public healthcare access.
- Concerns raised about the impact on underprivileged communities.
- Upcoming protests scheduled for October 28 and November 12.
- Emphasis on the need for equitable healthcare access across the state.
Visakhapatnam, Oct 9 (NationPress) The YSR Congress Party, in opposition, is preparing to initiate a campaign to gather one crore signatures starting Friday, advocating for the cessation of medical college privatisation. The party's President and former Chief Minister, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, spearheaded a significant protest in Narsipatnam, located in Anakapalli district, on Thursday.
Speaking to the crowd in front of the partially constructed medical college, he emphasized that the YSRCP government had previously launched efforts to establish 17 medical colleges to enhance accessibility to medical education and healthcare for the public. In contrast, the current coalition government headed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is pushing towards the privatisation of these institutions, potentially excluding the economically disadvantaged from vital healthcare services.
Labeling hospitals as modern sanctuaries, Jagan Mohan Reddy cautioned that private entities might take advantage of the underprivileged, jeopardizing public health due to Naidu's policies.
He noted, "Of the 17 medical colleges, five were completed during our administration, and classes commenced in Pulivendula and Paderu. Chief Minister Naidu has even issued directives to halt the construction of medical colleges, aiming to privatize them," he stated.
The former Chief Minister asserted that the total number of medical seats could have reached 4,910, with 2,360 offered at no cost to underprivileged students, while others would have significantly lower fees compared to private institutions, ensuring that millions of families could access affordable medical education and healthcare.
Furthermore, Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized Naidu for being willing to invest Rs 2 lakh crore in Amaravati yet hesitating to allocate Rs 500 crore for each medical college aimed at public health.
"This clearly indicates where Naidu's priorities lie. Due to insufficient medical facilities, patients are forced to seek treatment at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam. A recent incident at the Kurupam hostel, where tribal students became ill from contaminated water, underscores the government's neglect," he added.
Outlining the protest agenda, Jagan Mohan Reddy mentioned that outreach programs named Rachabanda would run from October 10 to November 22, focusing on highlighting Naidu's negligence and collecting one crore signatures.
There will be demonstrations at constituency and district headquarters on October 28 and November 12, respectively.
The collected signatures will be transported to Vijayawada by November 23, after which a representation will be submitted to Governor S. Abdul Nazeer.
He explained that signature sheets would transition from constituencies to district centers on November 23 and then from districts to Vijayawada via lorries on November 24 to be submitted to the Governor.
Meanwhile, at the YSRCP Central office in Amaravati, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, the YSRCP State Coordinator, unveiled the campaign poster for the one crore signature initiative.
He announced that the campaign would last over 45 days, commencing with the Rachabanda program across all 175 constituencies on Friday, where posters would be launched simultaneously.
As part of the planned agitation, large rallies at the constituency level will take place on October 28, followed by district-level rallies and memorandum submissions on November 12.
Point of View
It raises critical questions about the government's priorities and its impact on the marginalized. This movement reflects a broader national discourse on public versus private healthcare, emphasizing the need for equitable access to essential services.
NationPress
10/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the YSR Congress Party's stance on medical college privatisation?
The YSR Congress Party strongly opposes the privatisation of medical colleges, advocating for accessible healthcare and education for all, especially the economically disadvantaged.
What is the goal of the one-crore signature campaign?
The campaign aims to collect one crore signatures to demand the government to retract its decision on the privatisation of medical colleges.
When are the protests scheduled to take place?
Protests are planned at constituency and district headquarters on October 28 and November 12, respectively.
Who is leading the protest?
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the former Chief Minister and President of the YSR Congress Party, is leading the protest against medical college privatisation.
What are the implications of medical college privatisation?
Privatisation may lead to increased costs for medical education, making it less accessible for poorer students and potentially compromising public health services.
