Vijayawada — Andhra Pradesh’s coalition government plans to activate multi-specialty hospitals in remote tribal regions by the end of 2026, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav assured lawmakers Friday.

Responding to a question in the state Legislative Assembly, Yadav outlined timelines for the projects in Seethampeta, Parvathipuram, Dornala, Rampachodavaram and Buttayagudem. Construction will wrap up at Seethampeta by June after an additional Rs 11 crore investment. The Dornala hospital targets July completion.

The remaining three sites — Parvathipuram, Rampachodavaram and Buttayagudem — will finish by December, according to the minister. He stressed the government’s focus on boosting medical access in these isolated areas.

Yadav pointed out delays under the prior administration. That government approved the hospitals but failed to advance building work despite Rs 12 crore spent, mostly at Seethampeta.

The current coalition has poured in another Rs 15 crore across the sites. Officials aim to fill all doctor vacancies in secondary hospitals, including area hospitals, community health centers and district facilities, by 2028.

These multi-specialty units promise advanced care closer to tribal communities, which often struggle with distance to urban centers. Seethampeta’s project leads the pack, with steady progress reported.

Assembly members pressed Yadav on execution. He committed to phased openings, starting with the most advanced builds. No specific patient capacity figures emerged from the session.

Tribal areas in Andhra Pradesh face chronic healthcare shortages. The minister’s update signals a push to reverse that trend. Lawmakers from the region welcomed the deadlines but urged faster hiring of specialists.

Funding details drew scrutiny. The Rs 11 crore for Seethampeta’s final push comes on top of prior outlays. Similar boosts apply elsewhere, though exact breakdowns per site remain undisclosed.

Beyond infrastructure, Yadav touched on staffing. The 2028 target for secondary hospitals covers hundreds of posts. Tribal hospitals will tap into that pool once operational.

Friday’s exchange highlighted coalition priorities. Health ranks high, with tribal welfare a key plank. The assembly session continues through the weekend.