Andhra Pradesh unveils massive healthcare blueprint for Godavari Pushkarams 2027

The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated preparations for a comprehensive healthcare strategy for the Godavari Pushkarams 2027, an event expected to draw between 8 and 10 crore devotees. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav chaired a review meeting in Mangalagiri on Monday, directing officials to finalise a detailed medical plan for the festival, scheduled from June 26 to July 7, 2027.

Officials presented an initial estimate of ₹93 crore for approximately 490 civil works, but the Minister urged prudence, asking departments to curtail expenditure and focus only on essential infrastructure. The plan includes developing 525 bathing ghats across East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru, Kakinada, and Polavaram. Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema will host the most ghats at 175, followed by East Godavari with 167.

To cater to the medical needs of pilgrims, the department has proposed 1,110 medical camps, 950 first-aid posts, 300 health posts, and 30 temporary field hospitals. A multi-level referral system will be established to transfer patients from ghats to primary health centres, area or district hospitals, and, if required, government general hospitals or medical colleges.

A dedicated green corridor for ambulances will be created using physical barricades, coordinated by police and revenue authorities. The fleet will include 108 ambulances, 104 mobile health units, specialised maternal and child health vehicles, feeder vehicles for elderly and disabled devotees, and 19 boat ambulances—totalling around 523 vehicles.

The department estimates a need for roughly 30,196 medical and support personnel, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics. Additional specialists will be brought in through deputation and contractual appointments. Repairs and upgrades at 23 hospitals in the host districts are projected at ₹23.09 crore, with ₹8 crore earmarked for the first phase of administrative approval. Works include drinking water, sanitation, oxygen pipelines, toilets, and additional beds at Rajamahendravaram teaching hospital.

All administrative approvals, tenders, construction, procurement, and staff training are targeted for completion by April 30, 2027. The Minister also stressed strict monitoring of drinking-water quality, food safety, and communicable diseases. He directed officials to fill vacancies, including 78 Food Safety Officer posts, 97 laboratory technical posts, and 913 ASHA worker positions. Blood-bank arrangements will be strengthened through the State AIDS Control Society.