AMARAVATI: The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has directed the health department to set up an oncology department in each of the state's medical colleges because the state has seen a large increase in spending on cancer treatments over the past seven years. 

The decision was made about new medical colleges that are currently being built in the state during the Health and Family Welfare Department review meeting on Tuesday.

People would use the Aarogyasri services at our hospitals if we built and strengthened the government healthcare facilities in the state. If we establish cancer departments in all medical colleges for prevention and treatment, it is a win-win situation for the state. More PG seats and funding for patient care in government hospitals will help, according to the chief minister.

Officials from the health department notified the chief minister that since 2015, the state's spending on cancer treatment has climbed by a factor of four. They added that 1,40,639 virtual accounts had been set up under the Aarogyasri programme for those utilising the services, allowing the state government to deposit treatment costs, which would subsequently be automatically debited from patients' hospital accounts.

The chief minister gave the health department a year to completely eradicate anaemia in the state. He urged the administrators to keep an eye on the operation of the Anganwadi centres, saying, "Take it as a challenge and work for the full elimination of anaemia in Andhra Pradesh." The chief minister said, "Provide protein kits to people with severe anaemia, like Sampoorna Poshana."

The chief minister suggested appointing a special officer to keep track on the development as the state government would shortly be launching the family doctor idea.

"Give doctors who are sent to remote and tribal communities incentives. Nobody should imply that the recruitment of physicians is on hold. Take all the help you need, and do whatever it takes to keep doctors at government hospitals and clinics, urged the chief minister.

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