Special leave for radiographers, workload reduction for nurses and incentives for paramedical staff

AMARAVATI, September 4: The Andhra Pradesh Government has issued a series of orders aimed at addressing long-pending service-related issues faced by contract employees in the Health and Medical Education departments.

The measures follow representations made by the Contract Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) to Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav. Responding positively to their demands, the Minister directed officials to examine the issues and take appropriate action.

Following his directions, Health Department Secretary Veerapandian and Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Chakradhar Babu conducted reviews with the concerned officials. Subsequently, orders were issued providing relief to contract employees working in various healthcare institutions.

Special leave for radiographers

The government has provided a special benefit to contract radiographers and radiographic technicians who are exposed to radiation as part of their duties.

Eligible personnel working in X-ray and radiology departments of teaching hospitals will be granted 30 days of mandatory special leave after completing every 11 months of service, according to the orders.

The special leave will not be deducted from their regular leave account.

Staff deployment in PHCs

The government has also addressed the shortage of personnel and duty adjustments in Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

Officials have been instructed to utilise available staff based on local requirements. The services of Male Nursing Orderlies (MNOs) and Female Nursing Orderlies (FNOs) may be utilised during the day, while Sanitary Attendants and other support staff, as required, may be deployed during night hours.

The government has particularly emphasised using such personnel to support staff members assigned to night duties.

Steps to reduce nurses’ workload

Measures have also been introduced to reduce the burden of continuous 12-hour duties on nurses working in PHCs.

Where three nurses are posted at a PHC, duties should be adjusted through a rotation system even when one nurse is on leave. The government has directed officials to ensure that a nurse is not burdened with a continuous 12-hour duty during the daytime.

The available services of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) should also be effectively utilised to facilitate duty adjustments, the orders stated.

Clinical training for students at PHCs

The government has also permitted DMLT and B.Sc. MLT students to undergo clinical training at PHCs.

Under the guidelines, students undertaking six- or 12-month clinical training can undergo a one-month training programme at PHCs and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs).

District Medical and Health Officers will identify and allot training centres to eligible students.

Incentives under NTR Vaidya Seva Trust

Another significant decision relates to incentives provided through the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva Trust (NTRVST) for surgeries and medical procedures.

The government has directed that eligible contract paramedical employees who participate in surgeries and procedures should receive a prescribed share of the incentives along with doctors, based on their respective cadres.

Staff nurses, operation theatre technicians, anaesthesia technicians, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and other eligible supporting personnel are to be included in the incentive system according to the applicable norms.

The Health and Family Welfare Commissioner has also directed that details of surgeries conducted each month, the personnel who participated and the incentive amounts payable to them should be displayed on the notice board.

The latest orders are expected to provide relief to a large number of contract healthcare employees while also improving staff utilisation and service delivery at government health facilities across the State. 

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: The Andhra Pradesh government has taken steps to strengthen the supply of medicines and surgical items to the State's 104 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs), which serve patients in remote villages, by making it mandatory to record all stock details on the e-Aushadhi portal. A two-day State-level training programme was conducted in this regard, in pursuance of directions issued by Health Secretary Saurabh Gaur.

Two-Day Training at Mangalagiri

The training programme, held at the APIIC Towers in Mangalagiri, was organised by the Information Technology wing of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC) under the supervision of the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva Trust. A total of 55 district and regional managers, operations executives, and other personnel attached to the 104 MMU division received State-level training during the programme.

Master Trainers to Cascade Learning to Districts

C-DAC Senior Project Engineer Pasupuleti Ashwini said in a statement that master trainers who have undergone State-level training would in turn impart training to data entry operators attached to the 104 mobile medical units at the district level, ensuring uniform implementation of the new system across the State.

Real-Time Stock Monitoring Now Possible

Ashwini noted that the availability of stock details online would enable authorities to monitor the supply of medicines and surgical items at any point in time, facilitating timely replenishment based on actual requirements. She added that online stock registration had already been in place at Health and Wellness Centres for over a year, and that the training programme had been organised to extend the same system to the 104 MMUs in accordance with Health Secretary Gaur's directives.

Plugging Gaps in Village Healthcare Delivery

The move is expected to bring greater accountability and efficiency to the last-mile delivery of medicines to patients in villages, where the 104 mobile units serve as a critical healthcare lifeline. By integrating the MMUs into the e-Aushadhi framework, the government aims to ensure that stock shortfalls are identified and addressed promptly, reducing disruptions to rural healthcare services.

Amaravati: BJP Andhra Pradesh State President P.V.N. Madhav on Tuesday welcomed the Central government's approval to establish a regional office of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Amaravati, describing it as a long-overdue recognition of the demands of the State's fishing community. He conveyed the gratitude of the people of Andhra Pradesh to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision.

Longstanding Demand Finally Heard

In a statement issued here, Madhav said it was heartening that the Central government had acknowledged the aspirations of millions of fisherfolk in Andhra Pradesh who had been pressing for this facility for years. The establishment of an NFDB regional office, he said, would provide fresh momentum to the State's fisheries sector and bring institutional support closer to those who need it most.

AP's Aquaculture Clout Recognised

Madhav pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is a significant contributor to the country's foreign exchange earnings through aquaculture, and argued that the sanction of this office reflected Prime Minister Modi's foresight in recognising the State's strategic importance to the national fisheries economy. The decision, he said, was a fitting acknowledgement of Andhra Pradesh's pre-eminent role in the sector.

Boost to Technical Support and Marketing

The BJP State president said the regional office would streamline access to technical assistance, marketing opportunities, and the adoption of modern practices for fisherfolk across the State. This, he added, would translate into tangible benefits for coastal communities and contribute meaningfully to the overall economic development of Andhra Pradesh.

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday categorically refuted allegations of irregularities in the recent recruitment of 611 Civil Assistant Surgeons (CAS) conducted through the AP Medical Services Recruitment Board, dismissing a published news report as factually incorrect.

Following directions from Health Secretary Saurabh Gaur, senior officials conducted a detailed review in consultation with Board authorities and concluded that no malpractice had occurred in the recruitment process.

Technical Errors Addressed Promptly

Upon scrutiny of the published allegations against official records, the department acknowledged that minor technical discrepancies in mark computation had surfaced, but maintained these were rectified promptly upon receipt of representations from candidates. In one instance, a candidate's Covid-19 service experience had been incorrectly entered; once corrected and appropriate marks awarded, the candidate's position in the merit list was revised accordingly.

Roster Implementation Found Compliant

The department stated that the roster had been implemented without any deviation from prescribed norms. Doubts raised over the selection of a Scheduled Caste category candidate were examined and found to be consistent with applicable category rules. Official records confirmed that marks assigned to candidates on the merit list were computed strictly on the basis of service, seniority, and other established criteria.

On the question of non-local candidates, the department clarified that the 40 per cent Open Category seats carry no domicile requirement under existing rules, and selections were made accordingly. Candidates who submitted their mark lists belatedly were also considered in accordance with past precedent.

Sports Quota Posts to Be Filled Shortly

Responding to concerns that certain roster points remained unfilled, the department explained that appointments under the Sports Category had been deferred pending requisite approvals, and that these vacancies would be filled in due course.

The department further noted that adequate representation had been ensured for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, with records indicating that a significant proportion of selections were drawn from reserved categories.

Zonal Rules Not Applicable to State-Level Posts

On the posting of doctors outside their home zones, the department clarified that CAS positions are State-level posts and are therefore not governed by zonal regulations, making inter-regional postings entirely consistent with service rules. It further asserted that no additional marks were awarded to any candidate, and that no other applicant had been prejudiced as a result.

The department stated that since assuming office, the coalition government has prioritised transparency in the health sector, undertaking large-scale recruitments free from external interference. It cautioned that unsubstantiated allegations risk misleading the public and undermining the credibility of an administration committed to integrity and accountability. The department urged the media to publish a factual clarification in the interest of accurate public information.

తెనాలి : విద్యార్థుల ఆరోగ్యాన్ని దృష్టిలో ఉంచుకుని, తెనాలి పట్టణంలోని వివిధ వసతి గృహాల్లో దోమల నివారణ చర్యల- మలాథియాన్ మందుతో పిచికారీ నిర్వహించారు. ఈ కార్యక్రమాన్ని ప్రభుత్వ ఆదేశాల మేరకు స్థానిక మలేరియా శాఖ ఆధ్వర్యంలో చేపట్టినట్టు ఇన్‌చార్జి సహాయ మలేరియా అధికారి వంగల పున్నారెడ్డి తెలిపారు.

దోమల ద్వారా వ్యాపించే రోగాలు వసతి గృహాల్లోని విద్యార్థులను ప్రభావితం చేయకుండా ఉండేందుకు ముందు జాగ్రత్త చర్యగా ఈ పిచికారీ కార్యక్రమాన్ని చేపట్టినట్లు ఆయన వివరించారు.

ఈ కార్యక్రమంలో మలేరియా సబ్‌యూనిట్ అధికారి శ్రీకంఠ ఉమాకాంత్, ఆరోగ్య విస్తరణాధికారి అందె బాలచంద్రమౌళి సంయుక్తంగా పాల్గొన్నారు. హాస్టల్ వార్డెన్లు పి. చింతయ్య, సుజాత, ప్రిన్సిపల్ డాక్టర్ బండి విజయ కుమార్, రజని, అశోక్ కుమార్, ప్రమోదిని, నిరీక్షణరావు, మరియదాసు తదితరుల సహకారాన్ని అభినందించారు.

కార్యక్రమంలో ఆరోగ్య పర్యవేక్షకులు దీపాల శ్రీనివాసరావు, బండారు మల్లేశ్వరరావు, దాసరి శివనాగ మల్లేశ్వరరావు, ఆరోగ్య కార్యకర్తలు షేక్ నవీద్, షేక్ రషీద్, వేణుగోపాల్, కరిముల్లా, వార్డు హెల్త్ సెక్రటరీలు జవ్వాజీ లక్ష్మీ తులసి, ఆశా కార్యకర్త జి. వెంకటలక్ష్మి తదితరులు పాల్గొన్నారు.

New Delhi: Serious allegations have emerged against Kerala nurses working in Kuwait's health department. Reports suggest that these nurses took loans amounting to nearly ₹700 crore from Gulf Bank in Kuwait and allegedly fled the country after embezzling the funds.

A complaint has been filed in Kerala by the bank, stating that between 2020 and 2022, 1,425 Malayali individuals obtained substantial loans from Gulf Bank and subsequently left the country. Following this, the bank's deputy manager arrived in Kerala and lodged a formal complaint with the state police.