The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Sonia launches Rajiv Arogyasri scheme

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Friday, Jul 18, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Sonia launches Rajiv Arogyasri scheme

Special Correspondent

The health scheme will help poor to avail of best medicare in corporate hospitals

Brochure with details of the scheme released
YSR is now known as ‘Pavala Vaddi’ leader: NJR

Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

Warm gesture: UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi being presented a memento during the dedication of the Krishnapatnam Port to the nation on Thursday. Also seen are Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and AICC in-charge for AP Veerappa Moily. -

NELLORE: United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson and AICC president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday launched the Rajiv Arogyasri comprehensive health insurance scheme for the rural poor in the uncovered districts of the State.

Ms. Gandhi, who arrived on a hectic tour of Potti Sriramulu Nellore and Prakasam districts, formally launched the scheme at the Police parade grounds in the presence of Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and other senior Congress leaders.

With the launch of this phase, Rajiv Arogyasri card holders can avail of best medicare in the corporate hospitals at the government’s cost by producing the card in all the districts.

The AICC president released brochure containing the details of the scheme. At a public meeting Ms. Gandhi said the scheme was a boon to the poor people, who could not avail costly medical treatment in corporate hospitals. Later she dedicated to the nation, first phase of the Krishnapatnam port.

‘Promises implemented’

Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy in his address recalled how the Congress government had done everything to fulfil the pre-poll promises and also those, which were not included in the election manifesto. The Rs. 2-a-kg rice scheme came as a big relief to the poor. He said the State was trendsetter in several programmes and would continue to do the same.

Former Chief Minister N. Janardhan Reddy also lauded the Chief Minister for taking up programmes that were sure to bring back the Congress party to power for the second time.

Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy was now known as ‘Pavala Vaddi’ leader for his revolutionary decision to extend loans at three per cent interest rate, Mr. Reddy said.

He handed over the documents pertaining to the Indira Bhavan, the party office in Nellore town to the AICC president.

Earlier, in the day, Nellore town wore a curfew like situation with police personnel taking over the vantage positions at important junctions. Ms. Gandhi arrived at A.C.Subba Reddy stadium to a rousing welcome.

The sprawling ground was overflowing with people particularly women. The gathering went into raptures as Ms. Gandhi waved to them. APCC president D. Srinivas, AICC general secretary M. Veerappa Moily, Union Minister Panabaka Lakshmi, State Ministers - Anam Ramnarayan Reddy, M. Venkateswara Rao, Nedurumalli Rajya Lakshmi and local MLA Anam Vivekananda Reddy were present.

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