Andhra Pradesh roundtable rejects Public-Private Partnership in education

During a recent roundtable in Andhra Pradesh, speakers expressed strong opposition to the government's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for medical education. The event was organized by Praja Arogya Vedika at Alluri Vignana Kendram. The speakers accused the government of trying to privatize medical colleges and hospitals. They believe that the PPP model would hand over complete control to private institutions. Attendees unanimously passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of this proposal. They warned of future protests, including campaigns and signature collections, if their demands are not met. Concerns were raised about how the PPP policy could lead to increased tuition fees and a focus on profit rather than patient care. T. Kameswara Rao, the State general secretary of Praja Arogya Vedika, emphasized that the government must maintain its responsibility for quality medical education. Dr. N.N. Raju, a former principal, pointed out that quality medical education should be accessible to all. Others, including Dr. P. Rama Rao, warned that the policy would raise medical expenses and limit access to care for the poor. Multiple representatives from different organizations also voiced their concerns at the roundtable.