KGH will be developed into a Centre of Excellence on the lines of AIIMS-Delhi: CM Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu going through the portraits explaining the history of Andhra Medical College during the inaugural of the Centenary Alumni Building, in Visakhapatnam on April 26, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Saturday (April 26, 2025) that the King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam would be developed into a Centre of Excellence, on the lines of AIIMS, Delhi.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Centenary Alumni Building’ of Andhra Medical College (AMC), Mr. Naidu said KGH, which had been serving patients for over a century, was a symbol of pride for Andhra Pradesh. He directed the Health Department to prepare a comprehensive action plan to ensure the hospital continued to thrive for the next 100 years.

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Mr. Naidu said the newly inaugurated Centenary Alumni Building, constructed at a cost of ₹50 crore by the AMC alumni, marked a significant milestone in the college’s glorious history. He noted that AMC was the seventh oldest medical college in India, established in 1923 during the British rule, and was the first medical college in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. The college had produced a number of stalwarts, he said.

Lauding the efforts of the alumni, Mr. Naidu recalled that they initially raised ₹3 crore in 2023 after receiving 1.4 acres of land. Over time, the contributions grew to ₹50 crore, gradually helping in the completion of state-of-the-art facility for the students. He appreciated the alumni’s dedication and vision, calling them an inspiration.

He also announced that with an additional ₹20 crore, a biomedical research laboratory would soon be established at AMC to further strengthen research capabilities.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged similar efforts by the alumni of Guntur Medical College and others who were contributing to the development of their alma mater.

Emphasising the importance of Information Technology in education and career development, Mr. Naidu encouraged students to embrace digital tools and innovation.

Vizag poised for growth

Mr. Naidu also reiterated that Visakhapatnam was poised for transformative growth over the next two to five years. Key infrastructure and industrial projects, including an international airport, a metro rail project, and major investments from TCS, Cognizant, and Google, were set to drive the progress, he said, and added that the combined regions of Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam might emerge as the largest steel-producing hub, powered by the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and the upcoming ArcelorMittal Steel Plant.

Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar noted that the State Government had been giving top priority to the health sector.

Alumni of AMC and in-charge Minister of Visakhapatnam district Dola Sree Bala Veerajaneya Swamy urged the Chief Minister to take steps to increase the PG seats in AMC.

Principal of Andhra Medical College K.V.S.M. Sandhya Devi recalled the history of AMC and also thanked the alumnus for their contribution marking the centenary milestone.

MP M. Sribharat, Home Minister V. Anitha, MLAs Ch. Vamsikrishna Srinivas and P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, Special Chief Secretary, Health, M.T. Krishna Babu, Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, and Chairperson of AMC CAB Committee Dr. T. Ravi Raju were present.