Cancellation of G.O. demanded

Former Minister Konathala Ramakrishna has demanded cancellation of the G.O. No. 33, issued by the Chandrababu Naidu government on April 6, on the expansion of the Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) under PPP mode.

The former Minister, who is also convener of Uttarandhra Charcha Vedika (UCV), an organisation fighting for the cause of development of North Andhra, visited VIMS on Wednesday and met its Director K. Satyavara Prasad.

Later speaking to the media, Mr. Ramakrishna said the G.O. says new super specialities in cardiac sciences, gastro, renal, neonatology and paediatric intensive care, sports injuries and stem cell therapy would be developed with private participation with the objective of developing VIMS as a ‘centre of excellence’. It also says that the private developer would invest ₹100 crore and establish regular revenue to VIMS for its upkeep and functioning. The G.O. also made it clear that VIMS would not require any further investment from the State government.

The former Minister recalled that the main objective of setting up VIMS was to develop higher learning in medical sciences and to offer specialised medical care to the poor. The implementation of the G.O. would defeat both these goals.

Mr. Ramakrishna said entire departments would be leased to the private player and VIMS would be reduced to a mere facilitator, going by the G.O. He said the Medical Council of India (MCI) would not recognise VIMS as an institute, if leased to a private partner.