AMARAVATI, September 21, 2026 (Journalist File): Andhra Pradesh must provide a permanent solution to the long-standing practice of carrying critically ill patients on makeshift dolis in remote tribal areas by strengthening road connectivity, emergency transportation and healthcare infrastructure, former AP SC/ST Commission member Dr. Kondareddy Narahari Varaprasad said.
He said better roads, emergency ambulance services and accessible health centres in tribal regions could significantly reduce the dependence on dolis for transporting patients. Programmes such as Sanjeevani, he said, could play an important role in taking emergency medical services closer to remote habitations.
“When a tribal family needs emergency medical care, the distance to the hospital is not the only challenge. The speed at which the patient can be transported to the hospital is critical to saving a life. Roads, ambulances and healthcare centres must therefore function as an integrated system,” Varaprasad said.
He also said that during 2014-19, when Nara Lokesh was Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister, several thousand kilometres of roads were laid, according to his statement.
Focus on tribal infrastructure
Varaprasad alleged that infrastructure, road connectivity and healthcare services in tribal areas deteriorated considerably during the then YSRP government period. He said the NDA coalition government had subsequently placed greater emphasis on road connectivity, healthcare, education and drinking-water facilities in tribal regions.
“Improving the quality of life of tribal communities requires a road to every village, quality education for students, timely medical care for patients and a transport system capable of reaching them during emergencies,” he said.
He added that development should not be measured merely by the construction of buildings, but by how quickly essential services reach people when they need them.
CAG audit highlights infrastructure gaps
Referring to reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Varaprasad said shortcomings in funding, infrastructure, human resources, medicines, equipment and emergency healthcare services needed continued attention.
The CAG's 2024 performance audit of public health infrastructure and management of health services in Andhra Pradesh examined the adequacy of funding, healthcare infrastructure, human resources, availability of drugs and equipment, and management of healthcare and emergency services.
He also pointed to the CAG's State Finances Audit Report for 2021-22, which recorded that Rs. 129.58 crore of the Central share under the Tribal Sub Plan lapsed during 2021-22.
Varaprasad said stronger monitoring was necessary to ensure that funds allocated for tribal welfare were utilised fully and on time.
“Every rupee allocated for tribal communities must reach them. If funds remain unused despite being available, tribal families ultimately bear the cost. There must be greater transparency and monitoring in the utilisation of funds,” he said.
Health volunteer system needs strengthening
He called for strengthening health-volunteer systems to take basic medical services closer to remote tribal villages.
According to Varaprasad, shortages of medical personnel, difficulties in emergency transportation and the distance to healthcare facilities require an integrated approach involving roads, ambulances, primary healthcare centres and local health workers.
He said the objective should be to ensure that every tribal family could access basic medical assistance and emergency transportation when required.
From dolis to ambulances
Varaprasad criticised the previous YSRCP government, alleging that tribal communities had not received adequate attention to basic requirements such as roads, healthcare, education and drinking water during its tenure.
He said the development of tribal areas should be assessed through measurable improvements in people's lives rather than announcements.
“Can a pregnant woman reach a hospital in time? Can an accident victim get an ambulance immediately? Can a student reach school safely because of proper road connectivity? Does every village have an all-weather road?” he asked.
“Taking tribal areas from dolis to ambulances, providing roads to every village and ensuring accessible healthcare for every family should be the real measure of tribal development,” Varaprasad said.
He said the government should address the infrastructure gaps accumulated over the years and work towards permanent solutions for remote tribal communities.
