Visakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam's Andhra Medical College (AMC) and King George Hospital (KGH) have been providing medical services to the people of the region for nearly a century. Established in 1923, the institution has evolved into a major hub for medical education and specialized healthcare services, alongside patient treatment. Its expansion has been supported by the Andhra Pradesh government as well as various central health schemes and financial assistance.

King George Hospital was inaugurated on July 19, 1923. Over time, it emerged as a premier government medical center, serving patients not only from Visakhapatnam but also from surrounding areas. Affiliated with Andhra Medical College, the hospital provides clinical training to medical students alongside patient care.

Key facilities developed with central assistance include a 50-bed critical care block. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a total of ₹23.75 crore was allocated for this project; ₹16.75 crore was earmarked for the building and other facilities, while ₹7 crore was allocated for medical equipment.

This critical care facility was developed under the National Health Mission (NHM). Its objective is to enhance the capacity to provide timely specialized treatment and essential medical facilities to critically ill patients. The project also included provisions for the necessary human resources through the NHM.

KGH receives a large number of critically ill patients for treatment. In this context, a facility like the critical care block plays a vital role in boosting the hospital's treatment capacity. The availability of modern equipment and additional arrangements for monitoring and treating critically ill patients has strengthened the hospital's critical care infrastructure.

Andhra Pradesh's public health infrastructure has also been strengthened through the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The objective of this scheme is to enhance the capacity of the country's public health system to tackle pandemics and other health emergencies. According to the Union Ministry of Health, projects for 10 Critical Care Blocks and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories have been sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh under the PM-ABHIM scheme to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure. Andhra Medical College and KGH are also integrated into this comprehensive critical care network of the state.

Central assistance has not been limited solely to hospital treatment facilities; support was also provided for the upgradation of Andhra Medical College in the field of medical education. A project aimed at upgrading the medical college and expanding its capacity for postgraduate medical education was approved under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

Central records indicate that the total cost of this project was ₹14.42 crore, with the Central Government's share amounting to ₹10.82 crore. The objective of such projects is to develop essential infrastructure in medical colleges while simultaneously enhancing capacity for specialized medical education.

KGH's services are also linked to national health programs. Records from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) note the presence of an ART Centre at the hospital. Through these centers, HIV-infected patients are provided with antiretroviral therapy, medicines, and essential medical services.

The public health system also receives support at various levels through the National Health Mission. This initiative provides assistance for areas such as maternal and child health, immunization, prevention of infectious diseases, free medicines and diagnostic tests, emergency health services, dialysis, and healthcare human resources.

Consequently, the Centre's role in a major government hospital like KGH is not confined to a single building or project. Central assistance contributes to strengthening health facilities, equipment, human resources, and infrastructure through various national programs and schemes.

However, the hospital's administration and day-to-day operations fall under the jurisdiction of the Andhra Pradesh government; the Central Government does not manage KGH's daily administration. While the state government is responsible for hospital operations and delivering healthcare services to patients, central schemes provide support through financial assistance, health infrastructure development, and national programs. Another significant role of Andhra Medical College-KGH is grooming the next generation of doctors; here, patient care and medical education go hand in hand. Institutional data indicates an intake capacity of 250 MBBS, 212 MD/MS, and 25 DM/MCh seats. Medical students gain opportunities for practical and clinical training while interacting with patients at the hospital.

Over time, KGH has expanded its specialized services to include neurosurgery, nephrology, emergency medicine, and critical care. Consequently, the hospital has transcended the role of a standard government facility, evolving into a premier hub for advanced medical care and education in the Visakhapatnam region.

Established in 1923, the institution is now advancing with modern healthcare facilities. Initiatives such as a 50-bed critical care block costing ₹23.75 crore, a central contribution of ₹10.82 crore for upgrading the medical college, and services linked to the National HIV Control Program demonstrate the tangible impact of central government schemes at various levels.

Thus, the story of Andhra Medical College and KGH is not merely one of expanding an old hospital; it is a narrative of medical education and government...