There was a time in Andhra Pradesh when a poor person’s heart would race at the sight of a big hospital — because of the fees. The most frightening thing, more than the illness itself, was the medical bill. YS Jagan ended this fear — through YSR Arogyasri.
YSR Arogyasri guaranteed cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh in government-empaneled hospitals — for free. Cancer, heart surgery, kidney failure — no matter how serious the illness, the poor would not have to sell their home.
Jagan also expanded the definition of poor families under this scheme. Earlier, only a few benefited — under Jagan, coverage increased. Private hospitals too joined the network — so patients weren’t dependent solely on government hospitals.
When COVID arrived, the Arogyasri network saved AP. Thanks to a strong health infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh protected its people even during that crisis.
YSR Arogyasri is an act of humanity. It says — every human life has value. Regardless of money, treatment must be available.
