Naidu links education costs to micro-family culture, calls for incentive-based population management

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh's district-wise fertility data shows Kadapa leading with the highest rate (1.99) and Visakhapatnam at the bottom (1.32), both below the replacement rate of 2.1. The state average stands at 1.5. Officials presented the figures to chief minister Chandrababu Naidu during a review meeting on Wednesday.Naidu said the "Talliki Vandanam" initiative is part of a broader population management approach. He noted that rising education costs are contributing to micro-family culture and stressed the need for incentive-based plans to promote joint and larger families. He directed officials to launch awareness programmes highlighting the importance of human capital.The CM also reviewed the Sanjeevani project, which has so far provided healthcare services to 1.08 lakh people, medicines to 2.8 lakh beneficiaries, and medical tests to 19,000 individuals. He urged rapid expansion, stronger field-level implementation, and special drives to tackle anaemia and diabetes.Naidu instructed officials to begin construction of medical colleges under the PPP mode within a month. Phase-I colleges at Markapuram, Madanapalle, Pulivendula, and Adoni are to commence first, followed by Phase-II institutions at Amalapuram, Bapatla, Penukonda, Narsipatnam, Palakollu, and Parvathipuram.He asked for finalisation of the Andhra Pradesh State Health Investment Policy 2026-31, built on seven pillars: medical colleges, multi-speciality hospitals, med-tech manufacturing, start-ups and innovation, medical tourism with wellness facilities, skilling, and medical cities in Amaravati and Visakhapatnam Economic Region. He also directed officials to seek Union Ayush ministry support for a naturopathy institution in Amaravati.Naidu emphasised balanced nutrition and preventive healthcare, warning that poor dietary habits are contributing to illness. He called for promotion of Ayurveda and naturopathy, along with personalised diet guidance for hospital patients based on medical records. Senior officials from medical and health, finance, GSWS, labour, and women and child welfare departments attended the meeting.