AMARAVATI, September 4: National-level experts have praised the innovative and comprehensive measures being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh Government to control and eliminate malaria in the State.

The expert teams appreciated the State’s efforts in disease surveillance, early detection and management of cases, expansion of healthcare services in tribal areas, community participation and coordination between the government and private healthcare sectors.

The experts specifically noted the use of the Chief Minister’s Dashboard, AWARE system, drone technology, feeder ambulances, ‘Friday–Dry Day’ campaign, Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) as notable initiatives.

Malaria programmes reviewed in four States

As part of preparations for the National Strategic Plan for 2027–2032, national-level expert teams are reviewing malaria control programmes in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Odisha.

The expert teams visited Andhra Pradesh from September 1 to Friday and conducted field-level assessments in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, which has a relatively high malaria burden, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, where the incidence is comparatively low.

During the visit, the teams examined healthcare services available at health centres, case detection and treatment mechanisms and measures being taken to prevent and control malaria.

Review meeting with Health Commissioner

Following the four-day field visit, the expert teams held a review meeting with Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Chakradhar Babu and other officials at the APICC office in Mangalagiri on Friday night. Several experts also participated virtually.

Prof. Dr Kamini Mendis, Dr Nirmal Jo, Dr Lokesh Kori, Dr Arya Rahul, Dr P.K. Sen, Dr Pranab J. Bhuyan and Dr Badri Thapa were among those who participated in the discussions.

The experts appreciated the use of the Chief Minister’s Dashboard for monitoring disease surveillance and the AWARE system for assessing the status of malaria cases and tracking their management.

They noted that Andhra Pradesh was making effective use of technology in public health programmes to strengthen disease surveillance and control measures.

Drone services in tribal areas

The expert teams examined the use of drone-based technology to support diagnosis and treatment in remote and difficult-to-reach tribal areas.

The deployment of feeder ambulances to transport patients from remote locations to nearby hospitals was also appreciated. The experts observed that such measures could help bridge gaps in access to healthcare services in geographically difficult areas.

‘Friday–Dry Day’ initiative appreciated

The teams also appreciated the ‘Friday–Dry Day’ initiative, under which potential mosquito-breeding sites are identified and eliminated while awareness is created among the public about malaria, dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

The distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in malaria-prone areas and efforts to educate communities on their proper use were also highlighted by the experts.

Experts suggest further strengthening of programme

The expert teams observed that the comprehensive approach adopted by Andhra Pradesh was contributing to improved malaria control outcomes.

They recommended further strengthening early diagnosis, timely treatment, disease surveillance and mosquito-control measures. They also called for greater community participation and improved coordination among different government departments.

The experts stressed the need to continue focusing on extending healthcare services to remote areas and ensuring early detection and timely treatment of malaria cases. 

AMARAVATI, APRIL 24: Andhra Pradesh is intensifying its efforts to eliminate malaria, with Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Friday announcing a series of preventive measures ahead of the monsoon season and disclosing plans to seek the Centre's recognition of three districts as malaria-free zones.

Speaking on the eve of World Malaria Day, Mr. Yadav said the state government would shortly send proposals to the Union government to declare Bapatla, West Godavari, and Konaseema districts free of the disease. He added that no indigenous malaria cases had been recorded in these three districts for three consecutive years, and that the few cases detected there had been imported from outside.

Declining case load

The minister said the state had witnessed a steady decline in malaria cases since 2024–25. A total of 7,871 cases were reported that year, which fell to 7,199 in 2025–26. In the first 16 weeks of the current year, only 899 cases were registered, compared to 1,783 during the corresponding period last year — a drop of over 49 per cent. The state average stands at 0.15 cases per thousand population. However, the tribal districts of Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam continue to bear a disproportionate burden, recording 3.46 and 1.95 cases per thousand respectively.

Mr. Yadav said that as part of the government's roadmap to significantly reduce malaria by 2030, a comprehensive indoor residual spray (IRS) programme was being rolled out. The IRS method involves spraying insecticides on interior walls and ceilings to kill mosquitoes that rest on these surfaces.

Spray programme

Spray operations have already been launched in high-incidence tribal districts — Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anakapalli, and Polavaram — following Central government guidelines and keeping local geographical conditions in mind. The programme will be extended in a phased manner to 13 more districts from May 15, with completion targeted by August 30. The districts covered in this phase include Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Prakasam, Markapur, Nandyal, Annammayya, Sri Sathya Sai, Visakhapatnam, Eluru, Manyam, NTR, Tirupati, and Chittoor.

The spray intervention will be deployed specifically in villages where two or more cases are recorded per thousand population. The state government is spending approximately ₹4.80 crore on the procurement of insecticides — alpha-cypermethrin and malathion — and ₹4.5 crore on the conduct of the programme, with total expenditure on the IRS drive touching ₹10 crore annually.

Mosquito nets and awareness

The state has also begun distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets. Distribution is nearing completion in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram, and Manyam districts, with a plan to supply 2.55 lakh nets to 1.95 lakh families and student hostels across the state.

Central government officials have already trained state staff on the documentation and evidence required to submit malaria-free proposals. A Central team is expected to visit the three districts after receiving the state's proposals next month, following which the Union government is expected to issue a formal malaria elimination declaration.

The minister said awareness activities on malaria symptoms, prevention, and available healthcare services would be held across the state on the occasion of World Malaria Day on Saturday.

Eluru/Rajahmundry, April 23: In a significant push to strengthen enforcement at the grassroots level, Prohibition and Excise Commissioner Chamakuri Sridhar conducted a detailed SHO-wise review meeting covering excise operations in Eluru and Rajahmundry regions. The review focused on operational performance across districts including Eluru, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Konaseema, and East Godavari, with emphasis on illegal liquor control, digital monitoring, and revenue integrity. The meeting concluded with a strong warning that SHOs failing to control violations and meet enforcement targets within their jurisdictions will face strict departmental action, as the state moves toward a more accountable and crime-free excise administration.

During the meeting, the Commissioner reviewed the performance of each Station House Officer (SHO) individually, moving beyond generalized district-level assessments. He examined crime control measures, particularly the prevalence of illicitly distilled liquor and illegal “belt shops” within respective jurisdictions. Station-wise staff strength and its effective utilisation for enforcement activities like raids and patrolling were also thoroughly assessed.

Emphasizing strict enforcement, the Commissioner again reviewed case detection and follow-up action taken by SHOs against repeat offenders and smugglers. He made it clear that any rise in crime without corresponding enforcement would be viewed seriously and could invite departmental action.

A major focus of the review was the mandatory implementation of the Surakshaa App. The Commissioner directed all SHOs to ensure 100 percent scanning compliance within their limits. The app enables real-time tracking of liquor movement from depots to consumers. Any discrepancies between stock offtake and scanned sales at shops and bars will be closely monitored to detect diversion of non-duty paid liquor.

The review also covered inspections of licensed establishments. SHOs were instructed to conduct frequent surprise checks at shops and bars to ensure adherence to rules, including timing and capacity regulations. The Commissioner also ordered increased collection of liquor samples for chemical analysis to prevent the sale of adulterated or harmful products.

Comparing current performance with last year’s data, he highlighted that growth in legitimate revenue is directly linked to effective control of illegal trade and stressed maintaining a balance between enforcement and revenue collection.

As part of the visit, the Commissioner conducted a high-profile inspection at Ajay Wines in Eluru town, using the Surakshaa App to verify stock authenticity through digital scanning. He directed officials to carry out rigorous and random bottle checks to eliminate the threat of spurious liquor in the market and ensure only genuine stock is sold to consumers.

Senior officials including DC Sreelatha, AC Prabhu Kumar, DPEO Eluru Avulaiah, and DPEO West Godavari Subba Rao participated in the review. From the Rajahmundry region, DC Kakinada Chaitanya Murali, DPEO Rajahmundry Sreelatha, and DPEO Konaseema Kumareswaran were also present.

AMARAVATI, April 20: A total of 377 doctors have joined primary health centres (PHCs) and teaching hospitals across Andhra Pradesh as Medical Officers and Civil Assistant Surgeons, with women accounting for 232 of the new recruits — or 61.53 per cent of the total intake — Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced on Monday.

Of the newly joined doctors, 282 have taken charge as Medical Officers in PHCs while the remaining 95 have joined teaching hospitals as Civil Assistant Surgeons.

Recruitment process

The AP Medical Services Recruitment Board had issued a notification on behalf of the Director of Public Health to fill 630 Medical Officer posts on a permanent basis, against which 4,984 applications were received. Following scrutiny under prescribed rules, online counselling was conducted to fill 611 posts — excluding those reserved under the sports quota — from a finalised selection list. Of those called for counselling, 482 candidates registered their preferences.

234 posts to be filled shortly

However, 129 candidates did not exercise their options, and 105 others who received postings did not report for duty, leaving 234 posts vacant. The Director of Public Health has requested the Recruitment Board to furnish a fresh merit list of remaining eligible candidates from the original selection list drawn up under last year's notification. A revised list will be prepared in accordance with reservation rules and other applicable norms, and fresh online counselling will be conducted shortly. The coalition government has been taking continuous steps to ensure zero vacancy in public health posts, the Minister said.

District-wise distribution

Among the districts, Krishna, Nandyal, Palnadu, and Srikakulam recorded the highest intake, with 16 Medical Officers joining PHCs in each district. Kadapa, Eluru, and Konaseema districts saw 15, 14, and 13 doctors join respectively, while West Godavari, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anantapur, and Prakasam each received 12 new PHC Medical Officers.

In teaching hospitals, Kadapa led with 25 Civil Assistant Surgeons reporting for duty, followed by Kakinada and Kurnool with 13 each. Across tribal areas of the State, 37 doctors have joined service.

ఆర్టీసి ఎంప్లాయీస్ యూనియన్ విజ్ఞప్తి

కోనసీమ ( జర్నలిస్ట్ ఫైల్ )  : ఆర్టీసి (ఏపీపీటీడీ) ఉద్యోగుల భద్రత కోసం 2019 లో ఇచ్చిన సర్క్యులర్ నెం 01/2019 ని గత వైయస్ జగన్ మోహన్ రెడ్డి ప్రభుత్వం రద్దుచేసిన దానిని పునరుద్ధరించాల్సిన అవసరం ఉందని ఆర్టీసి ఎంప్లాయిస్ యూనియన్ (ఇ.యు) రాష్ట్ర అధ్యక్షులు పలిశెట్టి దామోదరరావు కోరారు.

గురువారం కోనసీమ జిల్లా రామచంద్రాపురం డిపోలో ఆర్టీసి ఎంప్లాయీస్ యూనియన్ డిపో కమిటి ఆధ్వర్యంలో నిర్వహించిన సమావేశంలో పలిశెట్టి దామోదరరావు ముఖ్యఅతిధిగా పాల్గొన్నారు. ఈ సందర్భంలో, రామచంద్రాపురం డిపోలో వైయస్ ఆర్టీసి ఎంప్లాయీస్ అసోసియేషన్ మరియు నేషనల్ మజ్దూర్ యూనిటీ అసోసియేషన్ (NMUA) నుండి 21 మంది ఉద్యోగులు ఎంప్లాయీస్ యూనియన్లో చేరారు.

నైట్ హాల్ట్ అలవెన్సులు మరియు పదోన్నతుల సమస్యలు

2022 నుండి నిలిచిపోయిన నైట్ హాల్ట్ అలవెన్సులు జాప్యం నేపథ్యంలో, ట్రాఫిక్ మరియు గ్యారేజ్ సిబ్బంది సుమారు 30,000 మందికి ఆర్థిక నష్టం ఎదురవుతోంది. ఈ సమస్యను వెంటనే పరిష్కరించాలనీ దామోదరరావు కోరారు.

అలాగే, గత ప్రభుత్వ హయాంలో ఆర్టీసి ప్రభుత్వంలో విలీనం అయిన తర్వాత, ఉద్యోగులకు రావలసిన పదోన్నతులు పెండింగ్‌లో ఉన్నాయని, దీనిని పరిష్కరించడానికి ప్రభుత్వం చర్యలు తీసుకోవాలని తెలిపారు. ఈ పదోన్నతులు 3000 మందికి లభిస్తాయని, వెంటనే అనుమతులు ఇవ్వాలని అర్చించారని యం.డి.ప్రసాద్ విజ్ఞప్తి చేశారు.

వైద్య సౌకర్యాలు మరియు రిటైర్ మెడికల్ స్కీమ్

విజయవాడ జోన్ జోనల్ కార్యదర్శి వై.శ్రీనివాసరావు, ఆర్టీసి విలీనం తర్వాత ఉద్యోగులకు సరైన వైద్యసౌకర్యాలు అందకపోవడం వల్ల వారు ఇబ్బందులు పడుతున్నారని తెలిపారు. మరింత, రిటైర్డ్ ఆర్టీసి ఉద్యోగులకు గతంలో ఉండిన రిటైర్డు ఎంప్లాయీస్ మెడికల్ స్కీమ్ (ఆర్.ఇ.ఎమ్.ఎస్) ను పునరుద్ధరించాలని కోరారు.

ఈ సమావేశంలో ఇ.యు కోనసీమ జిల్లా అధ్యక్షులు రావుల సుబ్బారావు, జిల్లా కార్యదర్శి గిడ్ల చిరంజీవి, రీజనల్ భాద్యులు పి.సత్తిబాబు, సిసియస్ డెలిగేట్ టి.గన్నియ్య, డిపో అధ్యక్షులు డి.ఎం.రావు, సెక్రటరీ వి.లక్ష్మినారాయణ, జాయింటు సెక్రటరీ డి.ఎస్.ఆర్.కృష్ణ, తదితరులు పాల్గొన్నారు