7.53 Lakh Avail Treatment Under NTR Vaidya Seva in Rayalaseema

Kurnool:A total of 7.53 lakh people availed treatment under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme across Rayalaseema districts last year, reflecting a worrying surge in the disease burden for the region.

According to the latest data released by the scheme authorities, there has been an increasing prevalence of serious illnesses. A significant portion of the funds are used to treat heart diseases and cancer. Nearly 45 per cent of the total spending under the scheme goes to these cases.

The government has intensified screening for cancer and heart diseases under the NCD (non-communicable diseases) programme. This screening helps in controlling lifestyle-dieases.

What has raised further concern is the age profile of the patients. A majority of those seeking treatment for heart ailments are below age 45. “We are seeing younger patients coming in with serious cardiac conditions, while these were once more common among older age groups,” a senior doctor associated with the scheme observed.

Cancer cases are more concentrated in Chittoor and Kurnool districts. In addition, a high number of polytrauma cases, injuries arising from road accidents and other incidents, are being reported across the region, adding to the overall healthcare burden.

Kurnool district recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with around 1.91 lakh people receiving treatment under the scheme, incurring an expenditure of `368.82 crore. However, Tirupati district reported the highest spending, with nearly `398 crore spent despite relatively fewer cases. Overall, `1,467.18 crore was spent across nine districts in Rayalaseema.

Explaining the expenditure pattern, a doctor from the NTR Vaidya Seva panel doctor said, “The cost largely depends on the severity and nature of chronic diseases. Cardiac treatments, in particular, account for a major share of the expenditure.”

The data also reveals a strong preference for private healthcare facilities.

Around 61 per cent of patients opted for treatment in private hospitals, which accounted for nearly 65 per cent of the total expenditure. “The higher costs in private hospitals are reflected in the spending pattern under the scheme,” a finance department official noted.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of maternity services under the scheme has led to a significant number of institutional deliveries. Over 80,000 pregnant women availed delivery services in the past year.

R Nagalakshmi from Srisailam in Nandyal district shared her experience, saying, “I recently delivered my baby at a private hospital under the scheme. When I called 108, they immediately shifted me to the hospital. The service was very helpful.”

Health experts note that the rising disease burden is a matter of serious concern. Dr Haricharan, professor at Kurnool Government General Hospital, said, “Most of these conditions, especially heart disease and cancer, are linked to lifestyle factors. With proper awareness and early intervention, many of these illnesses can be prevented.”

The data underscores the urgent need for preventive healthcare measures and increased public awareness to curb the growing incidence of lifestyle related diseases in Rayalaseema.

*Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva Performance from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 March 31 in Rayalaseema Districts

District Name - Surgeries / Therapies - Amount Spent

Ananthapur - 133,213 - 2,589,921,059

Sri Sathya Sai - 9,427 - 163,347,862

Kurnool - 191,918 - 3,688,275,032

Nandyal - 19,580 - 364,895,327

YSR Kadapa - 115,250 - 2,251,715,632

Chittoor - 140,056 - 2,732,395,530

Tirupati - 20,898 - 398,128,575

Annamayya - 13,510 - 249,927,299

Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore - 109,452 - 2,233,252,547

TOTAL - 753,304 - 14,671,858,863