Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Andhra minister launches Thalli Bidda ambulances, hits back at YSRCP
Andhra Pradesh is a big state in India, and Satya Kumar Yadav is its health minister — the person in charge of making sure people can get medicines and doctors.
He visited a town called Narasaraopet to launch 50 new ambulances, which are special vans that carry sick people to the hospital quickly.
These new vans are called 'Thalli Bidda Express' ambulances, which means they are made for mothers and their babies.
Some politicians from the opposite team, called YSRCP, said the government had stopped an important health programme.
The minister said that is not true — the programme was only given a new name, and the government is spending more money on it than before.
He said many more families are getting help now than they did earlier.
He also asked the other politicians to bring proof if they think something went wrong with a big teacher hiring process.
The new ambulances have air-conditioners, GPS to find the right roads, and an SOS button to call for help in an emergency.
The minister also wants to hire women drivers for these ambulances so more women can earn money.
Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav launched 50 new 'Thalli Bidda Express' 102 ambulances at Narasaraopet's Area Hospital.
He asserted the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme was only renamed, not stopped, with nearly Rs 7,000 crore spent by the coalition government in two years.
Average annual beneficiaries under the scheme rose from 8.2 lakh to 14.5 lakh, the minister claimed.
Satya Kumar challenged the Opposition to produce evidence of alleged irregularities in Mega DSC recruitment.
The state plans 500 new 102 vehicles and women drivers, while the minister alleged past bills were paid for 500 vehicles though fewer than 300 operated.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav, responding to criticism from the Opposition (YSRCP)
- What
- Launched 50 new 'Thalli Bidda Express' 102 ambulances and defended the government's healthcare schemes, including NTR Vaidya Seva, against Opposition criticism
- When
- Tuesday (specific date not stated in the article)
- Where
- Area Hospital, Narasaraopet, Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Why
- To expand emergency and maternal healthcare services, rebut Opposition allegations, and promote women's employment as ambulance drivers
Coalition Government
Opposition (YSRCP)
NTR Vaidya Seva scheme status
Coalition Government
The scheme was only renamed, not stopped; spending of nearly Rs 7,000 crore in two years and average annual beneficiaries of 14.5 lakh show it has expanded.
Opposition (YSRCP)
The Opposition criticised the government's healthcare initiatives, implying the scheme had been discontinued or weakened; the article does not record a detailed response from the Opposition.
Mega DSC recruitment irregularities
Coalition Government
No evidence of irregularities has been produced; the government is ready for an open debate and invites 'genuine victims' to come forward with proof.
Opposition (YSRCP)
The Opposition has alleged irregularities in Mega DSC recruitment, but the article reports the Opposition has not substantiated these allegations.
Ambulance fleet accountability
Coalition Government
The previous system paid bills for 500 vehicles even though fewer than 300 were operational; GPS-based monitoring will now ensure accountability.
Opposition (YSRCP)
No response from the previous government or YSRCP is reported; the allegation is based solely on the minister's statement.
- Event
- Launch of 50 'Thalli Bidda Express' 102 ambulances
- New 102 vehicles planned
- 500 total (300 initially, 200 within two months)
- NTR Vaidya Seva spending (2019-2024)
- Around Rs 9,000 crore
- Coalition government spending (two years)
- Nearly Rs 7,000 crore
- Average annual beneficiaries
- Rose from 8.2 lakh to 14.5 lakh
- 108 ambulance fleet
- Increased from 602 to 733
- Mobile medical units
- 104 units offering 41 types of free tests
- Ambulance features
- Air-conditioning, six airbags, footrests, GPS tracking, emergency SOS buttons