Health secretaries seek merger with Health Department in Andhra Pradesh to ease workload - The HinduUpdated - October 12, 2026 08:30 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAMHealth secretaries stage a protest in Visakhapatnam on Monday, demanding the merger of Swarna Gramam and Swarna Ward Secretariat health secretaries with the Health and Medical Department. | Photo Credit: V RAJUThe United Gram and Ward Secretariat Health Secretaries Welfare Association has urged the government to merge Swarna Gramam and Swarna Ward health secretaries with the Health and Medical Department to reduce their workload.Association representatives submitted a petition to the Visakhapatnam District Collector during the Public Grievance Redressal System programme on Monday.State leader G. Subhashini said that health secretaries face severe work pressure and mental stress while handling responsibilities assigned by two departments. She urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to intervene.The association also sought the removal of unnecessary mobile applications and the OTP system, workplace-based FRS attendance, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme in place of the Contributory Pension Scheme, and promotions for eligible employees.Published - October 12, 2026 07:52 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }