The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is once again gearing up to implement the Prajapalana Program. Scheduled to run for 10 days starting from September 17, this initiative aims to address various public welfare issues, with a particular focus on health services.
Application for Ration and Health Cards
During the Prajapalana Program, government officials will be accepting applications for ration cards and health cards. The Telangana government has made it a priority to issue health cards with a complete health profile for every citizen. CM Revanth Reddy has directed officials to prepare accordingly at the field level to ensure the success of this initiative.
Health Security and Budget Allocation
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the government’s commitment to public health, highlighting the steps being taken to ensure health security for all. He noted that the state government has allocated ₹11,500 crores in the budget for the development of the healthcare sector. Additionally, the coverage under the Aarogyasri health insurance scheme has been increased from ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs. The Chief Minister pointed out that these government actions have significantly improved the quality of medical services in government hospitals.
Selection of Beneficiaries for the Six Guarantees
In the initial phase of the Congress government in Telangana, applications were accepted under the Prajapalana Program to identify beneficiaries for the six guarantees. At that time, approximately 1.25 crore applications were received, with a significant number of requests for ration cards, Indiramma houses, and ₹500 gas cylinders. The government plans to collect information once again for ration and health cards during this phase of the program.
Relocation of Osmania Hospital to Goshamahal
In a key decision taken during a review meeting at the State Secretariat on Tuesday, CM Revanth Reddy announced the relocation of Osmania Hospital to Goshamahal. The Chief Minister conducted a review on the SPEED (Smart Proactive Efficient and Effective Delivery) initiative and directed officials to allocate an alternative site for the City Police Academy currently in Goshamahal. He also instructed that the land transfer process related to this relocation be completed swiftly.
CM Reddy emphasized the need to plan the design of the new Osmania Hospital, keeping in mind the needs of the next fifty years. He directed architects to ensure that the design would prevent any future issues and recommended planning road connectivity to avoid traffic problems.
Issuance of Health Digital Cards
During the same review meeting, CM Revanth Reddy, along with Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, discussed with officials the process for issuing Health Digital Cards. The meeting included key government figures such as Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari, Health Secretary Dr. Christina Chongthu, and Municipal Secretary Dana Kishore. Discussions centered on the methodology for issuing health cards, the necessary medical tests for recording each individual’s health profile, and the possibility of setting up health check-up camps in villages. The Chief Minister also suggested considering the best practices observed during his recent visit to France, where he learned about their exemplary health card issuance system.
The Chief Minister announced that the state-issued Health Digital Cards would be standardized for Rajiv Aarogyasri medical services and assistance provided through the CMRF (Chief Minister’s Relief Fund).
Addressing Seasonal Diseases
CM Revanth Reddy urged officials to be vigilant about seasonal diseases, expressing concern over the increasing cases of dengue, chikungunya, and viral fevers in various hospitals. He emphasized the importance of preventive measures before the onset of these diseases. The Chief Minister ordered that fogging and spraying activities to eliminate mosquitoes should be intensified in all urban and rural areas across the state, including Greater Hyderabad.
He also directed officials to conduct regular inspections at the ground level, and warned that non-performing employees and those indifferent to public health protection measures would face suspension.
The Chief Minister instructed GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) officials, health department officials, and district collectors to work in coordination. He also advised involving the police department, voluntary organizations, and media to raise public awareness about seasonal diseases. CM Reddy ordered district collectors and Panchayati Raj officials to immediately launch special action plans against seasonal diseases and urged them to visit affected villages and towns to understand the situation and take necessary sanitation measures.