Rajiv Gandhi Arogyasri welfare scheme was 100 percent the brain child of the late Chief Minister Y S Rajashekar Reddy and it had benefited thousands across the state, said the former Health Minister Dr Shanakar Rao. It may be noted that this was the same leader who voiced against the disproportionate assets of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. It came as a surprise to the media when the former minister openly admitted the fact. It was true that the scheme was really the brain child of YSR.

Arogyasri meant free treatment to many common diseases. As big as a heart operation to as small as a appendicitis operation, was available free of cost to the economically down trodden. Best medical facilities borne by the government was rarest of the ideas that took people by a surprise. The scheme was in place for the below poverty line or pink card holders.

But incase if a person did not have a pink card and if they were in dire states financially, then with a letter from the village revenue head would grant them, this immunity. Treatment could be at any government or multi-speciality hospital of their choice. The patient was paid for the medication and later paid for post surgery care too. After YSR's death the scheme rotted like a rust iron and was limited to fewer diseases and the venues were also restricted to government hospitals only. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)