Hyderabad|India|December'2009: Specialties in congenital heart diseases is a very rare facility and the Star hospitals started about five years back has become very popular in Hyderabad in a short time, said the Chief Minister K.Rosaiah.

Speaking at the inauguration of Pediatric Cardio Unit at Star Hospital in Banjara Hills on 13th Dec, the Chief Minister said that Dr.Gopichand was known for his generous attitude for the poorer sections. His attachment to the people in distress is very laudable. Stating that conducting surgeries for young children is very complicated and difficult job, he appreciated the services of this international charitable organization headed by famous doctors.

Referring to the flagship program of the Government, “Aarogyasri” named after Rajiv Gandhi, the Chief Minister called it a wonderful scheme which is not in vogue in any part of the country even in the world also. “There are different types of insurance schemes in different countries. But there will be an element of premium from the cardholders. But, here in Andhra Pradesh, late Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy who was himself a Doctor thought of this innovative program. I happened to be incharge of not only of Finance but also Medical & Health. 932 diseases, procedures, surgeries were included in the scheme. Still a few cases are there which are not covered. Earlier, we were helping the poorer sections with some sort of financial help from CMRF. When we wanted to expand this Rajiv Aarogyasri-II, we have decided to divert CMRF funds to Rajiv Aarogyasri-II. However, in stray cases, it is becoming inevitable for us to help to some extent which is not covered in the scheme”, the Chief Minister said.

Stating that healthcare is a priority item for the government, the Chief Minister said the government is trying to provide critical and essential equipment in government hospitals also besides recruiting Doctors Nurses, Para-medical persons in a big scale. “Without the supporting staff any Doctor however eminent he may be cannot do his service properly. But the only problem is that Doctors are not available to us as per our requirement. Most of them prefer private practice or want to go out of the country. For us in the government, the intention to provide health services through recruitment is not moving effectively. In other areas, there is no provision for the government to select candidates through walk-in interviews. But with regard to Doctors, this facility also government has provided so that some people at least may come and join”, the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister felt the need of private hospitals are essential to take care of the health of the people of the State, as the number of government, community, and hospitals run by the charitable institutions are very less.

Dr.Gopichand, Dr.William Novac, Dr.Srinatha Rao, Dr.Yugandhar, other Doctors and staff were present.