Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set an ambitious goal: complete health screening for the state’s entire population by June 2025.
One in ten adults in Andhra Pradesh suffers from both hypertension and diabetes, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu revealed on Monday, 7 April, citing fresh health data that paints a concerning picture of the state’s non-communicable disease burden.
Releasing a detailed, district-wise health status report at the Secretariat, the chief minister called for a fundamental shift in public lifestyle, food habits, and healthcare systems to build a “Healthy, Wealthy, and Happy Andhra Pradesh.”
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A lifestyle crisis: Diet and disease
Naidu emphasised the urgent need to adopt healthier eating habits, regular exercise, and stress-reduction practices like yoga and meditation.
He advised people to limit salt, sugar, and oil consumption — suggesting no more than 600 grams of salt, two liters of oil, and three kilograms of sugar per month for a family of four. He pointed out that even reducing salt intake alone can cut the risk of heart attacks by 40%.
“Simple changes like walking 30 minutes a day, practicing yoga, and eating more fiber-rich foods like millet and vegetables can go a long way in preventing chronic illnesses,” he said. The chief minister also urged the public to cut down on junk food and polished rice while embracing unpolished rice and locally grown grains.
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A statewide health snapshot
According to the report, 20.78 lakh people — or 9.6% of the adult population — have both hypertension and diabetes. Women constitute a slightly higher share of these cases, at 11.2 lakh. The burden is particularly high in Eluru, NTR, and Krishna districts.
Other key figures from the report include:
- Hypertension: 19.78 lakh people (9.2%)
- Diabetes: 11.13 lakh (5.1%)
- Heart disease: 2.61 lakh
- Cancer patients: 1.19 lakh — 72,000 of them women
- Kidney disorders: 1.73 lakh
- Liver disorders: Over 30,000 cases
- Respiratory illnesses: 54,000
- Neurological issues: 1.07 lakh
Districts like NTR, Guntur, and Krishna consistently appear in the top ranks across multiple illnesses, underscoring regional health disparities.
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Pollution and pesticides: Key risk factors
The report shows a higher incidence of hypertension and cancer among women. Meanwhile, districts like Prakasam, Kurnool, and Anantapur are seeing a surge in pollution and smoking-related respiratory illnesses like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Naidu also expressed concern over excessive pesticide usage in agriculture, linking it to rising cancer cases — drawing parallels to Punjab’s “Cancer Belt.” He appealed to farmers to transition toward natural farming practices and announced plans to integrate food and health education into school curricula.
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Public health infrastructure: Mega plans ahead
To strengthen healthcare access, the government plans to set up 100 to 300-bed multi-specialty hospitals in every constituency. Out of 175 constituencies, 70 already have these hospitals; the remaining 105 will be covered under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, backed by land allotment and viability gap funding.
The biggest announcement, however, was the proposed Mega Medicity in Amaravati, a 200-acre integrated medical hub being developed with the Capital Region Development Authority.
Of this, 100 acres will be dedicated to healthcare services, with the rest divided between residential and commercial purposes. The Medicity is expected to attract investment and promote health tourism, as part of the Centre’s broader plan to establish 25 such hubs across India.
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Digital health: A connected future
Andhra Pradesh is leading in digital health innovation, with 88% of its population already covered under Ayushman Bharat health accounts. A Digital Nerve Center has been launched in Kuppam, with plans to expand statewide in phases.
The state aims to store individual health records in DigiLocker, send predictive alerts, and even offer virtual hospital services. Mobile medical vans and teleconsultations — both online and offline — are also part of the digital health vision.
Collaborations with the Tata Trusts and Gates Foundation will further help integrate global best practices and technologies into Andhra Pradesh’s healthcare system.
Naidu also set an ambitious goal: complete health screening for the state’s entire population by June 2025. The data will inform preventive strategies, early interventions, and public awareness campaigns focused on nutrition, mental health, and lifestyle changes.
“Our people must be educated about what they eat, how they live, and how it affects their health,” he said. “This is not just a government programme — it must become a people’s movement.”
(Edited by Majnu Babu).