Critical Care Blocks Inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh
Union Health Minister J P Nadda inaugurated 10 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) in Andhra Pradesh on September 12, 2026. The new facilities will strengthen emergency care, disease surveillance and public health preparedness. The Centre is developing these facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
Critical Care Blocks strengthen health security
The 10 CCBs are located at government medical colleges and district hospitals across Andhra Pradesh. They cover Kadapa, Nellore, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Ongole, Anakapalli, Rajamahendravaram, Kurnool, Hindupur and Vijayawada.
These facilities will expand access to advanced treatment for critically ill patients. The Centre has approved 24 CCBs for Andhra Pradesh. The estimated investment stands at about ₹606 crore.
Across India, the government has sanctioned 631 CCBs under PM-ABHIM. These facilities form an important part of the country’s health infrastructure and emergency-care network.
Public health laboratories improve disease surveillance
The government has also approved 26 Integrated Public Health Laboratories for Andhra Pradesh. The Centre has allocated ₹32.50 crore for these laboratories.
The state has completed civil works for all 26 IPHLs. Fourteen laboratories were already operational. Officials inaugurated the remaining 12 laboratories on September 12.
The IPHL network will strengthen diagnostic services and disease surveillance. It will also help health authorities identify and respond to public health threats more effectively.
PM-ABHIM expands healthcare infrastructure
The Centre has approved ₹1,271.80 crore for Andhra Pradesh under the five-year PM-ABHIM programme. The allocation covers four major components:
- Critical Care Blocks
- Integrated Public Health Laboratories
- Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
- Rural Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Nadda stressed the importance of linking primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare. Such integration can help patients receive appropriate care at different levels of the health system.
He also praised Andhra Pradesh’s Sanjeevani programme. The programme brings healthcare services closer to local communities. It also supports testing for 41 health parameters.
The latest initiatives strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s healthcare network. They also support PM-ABHIM’s wider goal of building a prepared and resilient health system. The improved infrastructure can help the country respond to future pandemics and public health emergencies while continuing routine healthcare services.
