Andhra Pradesh Health Budget Goes Up, But Some Want More Money

The Andhra Pradesh government has put more money into the health budget for the next year. The total is now ₹19,306 crore. This is an increase from last year. However, some groups say this is not enough to fix all the problems in healthcare.
By Newsroom | Andhra Pradesh, Health |

The Andhra Pradesh state government has presented its Budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, with a notable increase in the health sector's allocation. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced that the total outlay for health has risen to ₹19,306 crore, marking a 9.5% increase from the previous year. This enhanced funding is intended to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services across the state. However, public health advocates, such as the Praja Arogya Vedika, are pressing for more substantial budgetary hikes, citing persistent gaps in primary care, human resources, and rural infrastructure.

Health outlay rises 9.5% to ₹19,306 crore in Budget: Satya Kumar Yadav - 1

Budgetary Allocations and Strategic Focus

The Andhra Pradesh Budget for 2026-2027 outlines specific allocations within the health sector:

Health outlay rises 9.5% to ₹19,306 crore in Budget: Satya Kumar Yadav - 2

  • Medical Education: ₹9,380 crore

  • Health and Family Welfare: ₹5,352 crore

  • Public Health: ₹2,582 crore

  • Directorate of Secondary Health: ₹1,549 crore

  • AYUSH: ₹385.25 crore

These funds are earmarked for developing critical care units, village health clinics, and public health laboratories. A significant increase was also observed in the allocation for the Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), which saw an 838% increase over the revised estimate, reaching ₹838 crore.

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Health outlay rises 9.5% to ₹19,306 crore in Budget: Satya Kumar Yadav - 3

Critiques and Calls for Deeper Investment

Despite the increased allocation, the Praja Arogya Vedika has expressed concerns that the current funding is insufficient. Their observations include:

Health outlay rises 9.5% to ₹19,306 crore in Budget: Satya Kumar Yadav - 4

  • An over-reliance on privatisation and public-private partnership (PPP) models in healthcare.

  • Gaps in primary and preventive healthcare services.

  • A shortage of healthcare human resources.

  • Weak infrastructure in rural and tribal areas.

  • Insufficient measures to address malnutrition and anaemia, particularly among women and children.

The organization advocates for a stronger emphasis on publicly funded, equitable healthcare, urging the government to prioritize these areas over models focused on medical tourism or high-end PPPs. They have also called for improved emergency services and the clearing of pending payments under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme.

Comparative Health Outlays

While Andhra Pradesh's health budget has seen a rise, other states are also reporting significant increases in their health sector allocations:

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StateTotal Health OutlayPercentage of Total Budget (Approx.)Key Initiatives Mentioned
Andhra Pradesh₹19,306 crore (2026-27)Data not explicitly providedCritical care blocks, village health clinics, public health labs, PM-ABHIM
Uttar Pradesh₹46,728.48 crore (2026-27)6.1%Strengthening medical infrastructure, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure
Uttar Pradesh₹37,956 crore (2026-27)6%Medical, Health and Family Welfare; ₹14,997 crore for Medical Education, ₹8,641 crore for NRHM

Expert Perspectives

  • Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav viewed the Budget positively, stating that the increased allocation would strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve service delivery, and support welfare initiatives, aligning with the state's vision of "Swarna Andhra 2047."

  • The Praja Arogya Vedika expressed that increased reliance on PPP models could exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access. They urged a focus on publicly funded and equitable healthcare.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The 2026-2027 Andhra Pradesh Budget demonstrates a clear intent to increase financial support for the health sector. The rise in outlay, particularly for PM-ABHIM, signals a commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. However, persistent concerns from public health groups regarding the adequacy of funding, the balance between public and private healthcare provision, and the need to address fundamental issues like primary care access and human resource shortages suggest ongoing challenges. The government's next steps in implementing these allocations and addressing the advocacy groups' points will be crucial in determining the actual impact on public health outcomes. The focus on infrastructure development through critical care blocks and health laboratories is a tangible step, but whether it sufficiently addresses the broader spectrum of public health needs remains a point of contention.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much money is Andhra Pradesh spending on health this year?
The state has set aside ₹19,306 crore for health in the 2026-2027 budget. This is 9.5% more than last year.
Q: Is this money enough?
Some groups, like Praja Arogya Vedika, say it is not enough. They want more money for basic health services, especially in villages.
Q: What will the extra money be used for?
The money will help build new hospitals, clinics, and labs. It will also help with programs like the Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.