Telangana Govt Enhancing Public Health Infrastructure To Tackle Emergencies Like Covid: CM KCR

During the foundation-laying ceremony for a new block at the state-run Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), he highlighted the significant growth in budget allocation for the health sector.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced on Wednesday that the state government is significantly increasing budget allocations for the health department. The move aims to bolster public health services and enhance the state's capacity to effectively respond to emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for a new block at the state-run Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Rao highlighted the substantial growth in budget allocation for the health sector.

Rao emphasized the importance of a robust health system, particularly in light of the warnings he received from entomologists a few years ago regarding the potential reemergence of infectious diseases like Covid-19. 

"They told me that losses would be minimal where health systems are strong. Many people would die, and the losses would be heavy where the health system is weak. We can understand the importance of the health department from this," he stated.

The Chief Minister underscored the government's commitment to strengthening the health department by increasing the budget allocation and engaging in extensive discussions with the health minister and department officials. The budget allocation for the health sector has seen significant growth, surpassing Rs 12,360 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24, compared to Rs 2,100 crore in 2014.

During the event, Rao also inaugurated a program that distributes nutrition kits to combat malnutrition and anaemia among pregnant women, with the goal of preventing stunted growth among children. He urged health department officials and major state-run hospitals to develop comprehensive plans to enhance and expand health services.

Recognizing that criticism of the health department's services in hospitals is not uncommon, the Chief Minister called upon Health Minister T Harish Rao and officials to improve public relations and raise awareness about the department's services. He also commended health officials for their dedicated service to the people and encouraged them to continue their efforts.