Andhra Pradesh Ranks Second in HIV Cases; Mangalagiri AIIMS Faces Staff Shortages

Delhi: Andhra Pradesh holds the second position in the country for the highest number of HIV patients, with 2,22,338 individuals receiving treatment under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme. This includes 99,455 men, 1,22,124 women, and 759 transgender individuals. Maharashtra leads with 2,39,797 HIV patients, while Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra together account for 27.36% of the 16,88,925 HIV patients treated nationwide. Telangana, by comparison, has 1,03,933 patients.

Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, Andhra Pradesh saw a 15.38% increase in treated HIV patients, rising from 1,92,693 to 2,22,338. The national growth rate during the same period was 22.37%, as revealed by Union Health Minister Anupriya Patel in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Doctors in Andhra Pradesh: Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated that Andhra Pradesh has 1,05,805 doctors registered with the AP Medical Council, making it the third-highest state in the country after Tamil Nadu (1,49,399) and Karnataka (1,41,155). These three states collectively contribute 29% of the 13,86,145 registered doctors across India.

Staff Shortages at Mangalagiri AIIMS: At AIIMS Mangalagiri, 41% of teaching and 28% of non-teaching staff posts remain vacant. Of the sanctioned 259 teaching positions, only 152 are filled, while 1,060 of 1,469 non-teaching posts are occupied.