50-bed critical care block built at a cost of ₹23.75 crore; central assistance of ₹10.82 crore for medical college upgradation | Hospital integrated with PM-ABHIM and national health programs
Visakhapatnam. Andhra Medical College (AMC) and King George Hospital (KGH), which have been providing medical services to the people of Visakhapatnam and surrounding areas for nearly a century, stand today as a vital hub of the state’s healthcare system. This historic medical institution has been strengthened by the Andhra Pradesh government as well as through various central government health schemes and financial assistance. Numerous central schemes are linked to the healthcare services here, ranging from critical care facilities for treating critically ill patients to medical education and national health programs. Andhra Medical College was established in 1923, and King George Hospital was inaugurated on July 19, 1923. Over time, the institution evolved into a premier government medical center not only for Visakhapatnam but also for the vast surrounding region. KGH serves as the principal teaching hospital for Andhra Medical College, where medical students receive clinical training alongside the treatment of a large number of patients.
50-Bed Critical Care Block Built at a Cost of ₹23.75 Crore
A key facility developed with central government assistance is the 50-bed critical care block. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ₹23.75 crore was allocated for this project. Of this amount, ₹16.75 crore was earmarked for the building and other amenities, while ₹7 crore was allocated for medical equipment. This facility was developed under the National Health Mission (NHM). It plays a crucial role in providing immediate and specialized treatment to critically ill patients. According to the Centre, provisions were also made to arrange the necessary human resources for this project through the NHM. Emphasis has been placed on enhancing the capacity to treat critically ill patients using modern medical equipment within the critical care facility. Given the large influx of critically ill patients at KGH, such a facility significantly strengthens the hospital’s treatment capabilities.
Healthcare Infrastructure Strengthened via PM-ABHIM
Healthcare infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh has also been bolstered under the Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The scheme aims to enhance the capacity of the country’s public health system to tackle future pandemics and health emergencies. According to the Union Ministry of Health, projects involving the establishment of 10 Critical Care Blocks and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories in Andhra Pradesh aim to strengthen critical care services and diagnostic facilities. Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, is also integrated into this critical care network.
Central Assistance of ₹10.82 Crore for Medical College Upgradation
The Central Government has also played a role in strengthening Andhra Medical College within the sphere of medical education. A project was approved under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to upgrade the medical college and expand its capacity for postgraduate medical education. Central records indicate the project’s total cost was ₹14.42 crore, with the Central Government contributing ₹10.82 crore. Such upgradation initiatives aim to strengthen essential medical infrastructure while expanding capacity for specialized medical education.
National HIV Control Program Services at KGH
King George Hospital (KGH) is also linked to national health programs. Records from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) note the presence of an ART Centre at KGH. ART Centres facilitate access to antiretroviral therapy, medication, and essential medical services for HIV-infected patients. Thus, services under the nationally operated HIV/AIDS control program are also available at KGH. Support for various health services through the NHM
The Central Government’s National Health Mission (NHM) provides financial and technical assistance to states to strengthen the public health system across the country. Under this mission, support is extended to areas such as maternal and child health, immunization, prevention of infectious diseases, free medicines and diagnostic tests, emergency health services, dialysis, human resources, and other health facilities. Consequently, the Centre’s role in major government hospitals like KGH is not limited to just a single building or project; central schemes play a pivotal role in strengthening health services through various national health programs.
State-led operations with central programmatic support
It is important to note that the administration and day-to-day operations of Andhra Medical College and King George Hospital fall under the jurisdiction of the Andhra Pradesh government; the Central Government does not manage the hospital’s daily administration. The Centre’s involvement is primarily manifested through central health schemes, financial assistance, national programs, and specialized health infrastructure projects. Thus, while the roles of the Centre and the State at KGH are distinct, they complement each other. The State government bears the responsibility for hospital operations and service delivery to patients, whereas central schemes assist by providing additional resources and infrastructure in several critical areas.
