VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Specialty Hospital Association (ASHA) has announced it will suspend services under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme starting August 15 due to unresolved dues amounting to Rs 2,500 crore. The association expressed frustration over the lack of response from the relevant authorities.
In a letter to the CEO of the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust, ASHA indicated that despite multiple attempts to engage constructively, their concerns have been met with indifference. Dr. Vijay Kumar Kurukuri, ASHA president, shared with TNIE the difficulties faced by hospitals due to the financial shortfall. He acknowledged the state’s financial crisis but emphasized the longstanding contributions of the hospitals to healthcare infrastructure and the need for respect and acknowledgment. 
Dr. Kurukuri highlighted that the outstanding dues, which have accumulated over nine months, make it increasingly challenging for hospitals to manage staff, infrastructure, medicines, and disposables.
In response, MT Krishna Babu, Special Chief Secretary of Health, Medical, and Family Welfare, informed TNIE that the government had disbursed Rs 200 crore to ASHA workers on Wednesday and promised an additional Rs 300 crore by Monday. Previously, Rs 150 crore had been prioritized for release.
The CEO of the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust met with ASHA leaders to explain the financial situation, revealing that the total outstanding dues are Rs 1,600 crore, which includes payments owed to both government and specialty private hospitals. The CEO expressed hope that the issue would be resolved effectively.