The Andhra Pradesh government came under fire from the entire opposition in the state Assembly today for grossly neglecting the health care services even as chief minister K Rosaiah announced that the government was contemplating to make one year service in rural areas compulsory for MBBS students as well.

The TDP, CPI, CPM and BJP members staged a walk out from the Assembly during Question Hour while Praja Rajyam and Lok Satta Party members registered their protest on the issue.

Intervening in a discussion on rural health services, leader of opposition N Chandrababu Naidu pointed out that the state government could not utilise Rs 690 crore allotted by the Centre under the National Rural Health Mission in the last years.

"This itself proves the gross neglect of the health care sector even as people in tribal areas were constantly afflicted with diseases like Anthrax, dengue and malaria. AP ranks No. 2 in Swine Flu cases in the country. The state is sick but for the health minister who is hale and hearty," Chandrababu remarked.

Chief minister Rosaiah intervened to admit that there was a severe shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas.

"We are now contemplating to make one year rural service for MBBS students compulsory so that the shortage of doctors could be overcome. We are awaiting the Centre's nod for this," the chief minister said.

The centre, he said, wanted uniformity among all states in implementing this rule.

Health minister Danam Nagender said a notification would be issued soon for filling up 2500 doctor posts in the state.

Chandrababu, however, sought an assurance from the government on utilisation of NRHM funds. With no response forthcoming from the government, the TDP staged a walk out followed by the CPI, CPM and BJP.

Lok Satta Party President N Jayaprakash Narayan said the government lacked basic understanding on health issues.

"The government is unable to spend Rs 100 crore per annum on health care delivery but is giving Rs 1500 crore to corporate hospitals in the name of health insurance," he alleged and registered his protest.

PRP leader Ganta Srinivasa Rao too registered protest on his party's behalf.