Amaravati: TheAndhra Pradesh governmenton Wednesdayreleased Rs 250 crore towards pending dues owed to private hospitals across the state under the Dr NTR Vaidya Seva health scheme. The pending dues were released after State Health MinisterSatya Kumar Yadavheld discussions with Finance Minister P Keshav to expedite the clearance process. "The government has released Rs 250 crore now, and steps are underway to release another Rs 250 crore soon," Health Department Secretary Saurabh Gaur said in a press release, news agency PTI reported. had earlier reported that as the indefinite strike by private hospitals in Andhra Pradesh enters its 13th day, the Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospitals Association (ASHA) has announced a protest on Thursday, October 23, at Dharna Chowk in Vijayawada. The protest is aimed at pressuring the state government into releasing Rs 2,700 crore in pending dues owed to private healthcare providers under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme. Doctors, nurses, medical students, and hospital administrators from across the state will converge on Vijayawada, donning white coats and uniforms, to demand urgent government action. The protest is expected to see the participation of various medical associations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Andhra Pradesh Private Nursing Homes Association (APNA), Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors Association (APJUDA), and the AP Government Doctors Association. Also Read:AP Minister Emphasizes Strengthening Healthcare Services at Govt Hospitals Saurabh Gaur appealed to representatives of the Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospitals Association and other associations to continue providing health services under the Dr NTR Vaidya Seva scheme without interruption. The initiative delivers quality healthcare across the state through various schemes. However, the association rejected the government's offer, saying accepting smaller amounts would jeopardise their financial stability. "The offer made in yesterday's meeting was something we all unanimously refused - and rightly so. Yielding to smaller amounts now will mark the end of our cash flows and our professional future," Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospitals Association president K Vijay Kumar said in a statement, reports PTI. He urged the association members to "remain united and not be swayed by rumours or false hopes." Also Read:Andhra Pradesh private hospitals to protest over Rs 2700 crore unpaid dues