YSRC Minister Vidadala Rajini Challenges TDP's Medical College Privatization Move

Introduction to the Privatization Controversy

Former YSRC minister Vidadala Rajini has condemned the TDP-led NDA government’s plans to privatize newly established medical colleges in the State, branding it a ‘big scam’. Speaking in Guntur, Rajini pointed out that the previous government under YS Jagan Mohan Reddy invested Rs 8,500 crore in creating 17 medical colleges to ensure that medical education became accessible to poor students.

Impact on Medical Education and Access

Rajini emphasized that the privatization plans are concealed as Public Private People Partnership (PPPP), alleging that they threaten to undermine the public healthcare structure. She reflected on the history of medical colleges in the State, noting that only 11 government colleges were established in a century, showcasing the previous government’s focus on enhancing healthcare access.

The newly opened colleges offered 750 MBBS seats last year, but she lamented the current reduction in availability to just 50 seats at Paderu medical college. Furthermore, she criticized the government’s refusal of 50 additional seats for Pulivendula college, attributing the decision to political motives rather than educational needs. Rajini expressed concern over the detrimental impact of such decisions on students and their families, describing it as politically charged oppression aimed at undermining the achievements of the previous administration.