Andhra Pradesh govt to launch family doctor scheme from March 15

As part of the family doctor pilot project, the state health department has so far provided almost 46 lakhs of medical services to the population of the state.

In 1,149 primary health centres, full-time physicians have been hired. According to an official statement issued on Monday, in the event of extended vacations, physicians from the health centres would be contacted and any additional appointments required will be made.

Up to four additional doctors were assigned to each district for this, while one additional doctor was assigned to every six or seven health centers to cover short-term leaves, resulting in 175 reserve doctors across the state.

Meanwhile, at a Health Ministry review meeting, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said Arogyasri's referral services should also fall under the duties of a GP scheme.

"In case there are any complaints about Aarogyasri's services, Arogyasri cards should have the number for receiving complaints. If someone asks for bribes, the number for reporting such complaints should be printed on this card," Reddy said.

Similarly, the prime minister has directed officials to correlate anemia cases under the state's Sampoorna Poshan Plus scheme, including monitoring whether or not patients receive nutritious food.