Swachh Andhra–Swarnandhra Will Pave Way for Healthy Andhra Pradesh: Kolusu Parthasarathy

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Housing and Information & Public Relations Kolusu Parthasarathy on Saturday said that the state's vision of a healthy and prosperous future can only be achieved through the successful implementation of the Swachh Andhra–Swarnandhra initiative, which places equal emphasis on public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.

The minister participated in a sanitation drive at Nekkalam Gollagudem village in Agiripalli mandal as part of the statewide cleanliness campaign and joined officials in carrying out the programme on the ground.

Addressing the gathering, Parthasarathy said the coalition government has accorded top priority to safeguarding public health and improving healthcare access. He highlighted the government's flagship Sanjeevani programme, under which around 60 lakh people will receive 41 types of health screenings free of cost every year .

To ensure healthcare services reach rural and remote areas, the government is deploying 904 specialised mobile medical units . These vehicles will provide diagnostic tests worth between Rs 7,000 and Rs 10,000 free of charge, enabling people to undergo comprehensive health assessments without travelling long distances.

The minister said all medical records generated under the programme would be digitised and integrated into an online health database. The initiative is expected to help doctors and patients access previous medical histories whenever required, particularly in cases involving chronic illnesses or emergency treatment.

He said the government aims to create a comprehensive digital health record system covering every resident of the state over the next decade, laying the foundation for a truly "Healthy Andhra Pradesh."

Parthasarathy also criticised the previous government for allegedly neglecting sanitation and waste management. He said the present administration, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , has prioritised environmental protection and sustainable waste management practices.

According to the minister, steps are being taken to generate electricity from accumulated waste, convert wet waste into organic manure, and recycle plastic for use in road construction. He added that residents who hand over plastic waste through designated collection vehicles are being encouraged through incentives, including the distribution of essential household items such as toothpaste and soaps.

Calling for greater public participation, Parthasarathy urged citizens to reduce plastic consumption and switch to reusable cloth bags in order to protect the environment for future generations.

Nuzvid Sub-Collector Bollipalli Vinutha said the Swachh Andhra programme is being conducted once every three months on a designated Saturday to promote cleanliness and civic responsibility. The minister later administered the Swachh Andhra pledge to local residents.

Coalition leaders and officials from various government departments also took part in the programme.