Andhra Pradesh Seeks Extra AIIMS to Bridge Health Gaps

Amaravati – On August 6, Jansena’s Lok Sabha representative Lingamneni Ramesh submitted a formal petition to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, seeking the establishment of two new AIIMS‑equivalent institutes in Andhra Pradesh. The MP outlined a two‑pronged plan: a brand‑new AIIMS in the Rayalaseema region and another in the northern coastal area (Uttarandhra), coupled with a major upgrade of AIIMS Mangalagiri.

Ramesh highlighted that the current AIIMS serves primarily the central coastal corridor, leaving the western and northern coastal districts dependent on long‑distance travel for tertiary care. He noted that patients from Rayalaseema often travel hundreds of kilometres, while those in Uttarandhra must journey to Visakhapatnam or neighboring states for procedures such as cardiac surgery, trauma management, stroke care, organ transplantation, pediatric super‑specialties, oncology, neuro‑science and critical care.

The MP emphasized that Andhra Pradesh’s post‑reorganisation landscape now houses a population of about five crore, dispersed across three distinct zones. A single AIIMS is insufficient to meet the rising demand for world‑class medical services, especially as health‑care needs have multiplied over the last decade.

Citing precedents from Jammu & Kashmir—where AIIMS Vijaypur and AIIMS Awantipora operate—and Bihar—where AIIMS Patna and the under‑construction AIIMS Darbhanga are planned—Ramesh argued that multiple AIIMS within a single state are both feasible and necessary.

He concluded that the addition of two AIIMS‑level centers would provide equitable access to lifesaving treatments, reduce patient travel burdens, and support balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.