Satya Kumar Yadav slams Jagan over Medical College claims

50 percent of MBBS seats in the 17 government medical colleges were subjected to steep fee hikes, making the fees in government institutions almost equivalent to those in private colleges

A heated debate unfolded in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday as Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav strongly criticized former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy over the construction of 17 new government medical colleges, accusing the previous government of misleading the public about its achievements.

Responding to a question raised by MLA Arimilli Radhakrishna and supplementary queries from other members, the minister presented official records in the House and questioned the claims made by the former chief minister. “Is it possible to construct 17 medical colleges by spending just 18 paise out of every rupee sanctioned?” he asked, alleging that Jagan Mohan Reddy was spreading misinformation about the progress of the projects.

Satya Kumar Yadav told the Assembly that the previous government had sanctioned ₹8,480 crore for the construction of 17 medical colleges across the state. However, government records show that only ₹1,550 crore was actually spent over four years, which amounts to roughly 18 paise for every rupee allocated. Despite this limited expenditure, the former chief minister repeatedly claimed that all 17 colleges had been built, the minister said, calling it a clear attempt to mislead the public.

The minister further stated that due to the delays and financial gaps left by the previous administration, the present coalition government has decided to develop 10 of these medical colleges under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in two phases. The government aims to make these colleges operational within the next two years. He added that the Central government has shown willingness to provide viability gap funding, and discussions are currently underway.

According to the minister, the PPP model will significantly enhance the state’s medical education capacity. The initiative will bring 610 additional MBBS seats for students and create 1,050 additional hospital beds in the associated teaching hospitals. While the previous government proposed 100 MBBS seats with 420 beds for each college, the present government has revised the plan to provide 150 seats with 625 beds in each institution. He also noted that under the PPP framework, there will be no requirement to allocate seats under the All India Quota, ensuring that 110 seats remain under the convenor quota, benefiting economically weaker students. In addition, 70 percent of hospital beds in these institutions will provide free medical services to the public.

The minister also alleged that the previous government significantly increased MBBS fees in government medical colleges under the self-financing model. According to him, 50 percent of MBBS seats in the 17 government medical colleges were subjected to steep fee hikes, making the fees in government institutions almost equivalent to those in private colleges.

Satya Kumar Yadav further criticized Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly threatening to cancel medical colleges being developed under the PPP model if his party returned to power. The minister also dismissed the opposition’s campaign to collect one crore signatures, describing it as political theatrics built on misleading claims.