Healthcare – Naidu Opens Advanced Eye Care Centre in Krishna District
Healthcare – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday inaugurated a newly established LV Prasad Eye Care Centre in Gudlavalleru, located in Krishna district. The launch event was attended by Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav and Dr. Gullapalli Nageswara Rao, the founder and chairman of the LV Prasad Eye Institute, among other dignitaries.
Focus on Rural Healthcare Access
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of strengthening healthcare facilities in rural regions. He said that access to specialised medical services, particularly in villages and smaller towns, remains a key priority for the state government. According to him, centres like the one opened in Gudlavalleru can play a vital role in bridging gaps in healthcare delivery and improving outcomes for local residents.
Naidu pointed out that the new facility is expected to serve thousands of patients annually, reducing the need for people to travel long distances for eye treatment. He noted that such initiatives contribute to early diagnosis and timely intervention, which are crucial in preventing avoidable vision loss.
Support from Private Sector Recognised
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the financial contribution made by Jasti Venkata Subba Rao, Chairman of Suven Life Sciences, towards the establishment of the centre. He described the support as an example of how private individuals and organisations can contribute to public welfare.
Naidu said that such collaborations between philanthropic contributors and healthcare institutions are essential for expanding medical services in underserved areas. He added that this effort reflects a broader sense of responsibility towards society, ensuring that even economically weaker sections receive quality treatment.
Capacity and Services of the New Facility
Officials from the LV Prasad Eye Institute shared details about the centre’s capabilities. The facility is designed to handle approximately 50,000 outpatient visits each year and is equipped to carry out around 5,000 surgical procedures annually. It will offer a range of services, including diagnostic tests, treatment for eye conditions, and surgical interventions.
The institute has built a reputation for delivering eye care services on a non-profit basis across several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha. The Gudlavalleru centre is expected to further strengthen its network and extend its reach to more communities.
Government Emphasis on Health Sector
Highlighting the state’s commitment to healthcare, Naidu said that the government has allocated Rs 19,305 crore to the health sector in the latest budget. He described the increase in funding as part of a broader effort to improve medical infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and support preventive care programs.
He reiterated that healthcare remains a priority alongside economic development and welfare schemes. According to him, sustained investment in medical services is necessary to ensure long-term social and economic progress.
Focus on Eye Health Initiatives
The Chief Minister also spoke about ongoing efforts to address vision-related issues across the state. He said the government has set a target of conducting four lakh cataract surgeries during the current year. In addition, screening programs are being implemented in schools to identify eye problems among children at an early stage.
These initiatives aim to reduce the prevalence of preventable blindness and improve overall eye health awareness among the population.
Interaction with Medical Team
During his visit, Naidu toured the newly inaugurated facility and was briefed by officials about its various departments and services. Doctors conducted an eye examination for him using modern diagnostic equipment available at the centre.
He later interacted with the medical staff and also met members of Jasti Venkata Subba Rao’s family, appreciating their contribution to the project.