The vision of the late legendary, Padmashree Dr N T Rama Rao, erstwhile Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, became a reality when 'The Andhra Pradesh University of Health Sciences, first of its kind, was established in 1986 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, with Vijayawada as Headquarters. It is a state wide University with the aim of ensuring efficient and systematic education, training and research in allopathic and Indian systems of medicine, Dentistry and Nursing. Act No.6 of the A P Legislature was passed accordingly and the University was inaugurated on 9th April, 1986 by the then Chief Minister Dr. N.T.Rama Rao. The University started functioning from 1st November in the same year
The university advocates and promotes improvisation of available natural resources for preparation of medicines for cure of human ailments, thereby bringing out the true spirit of the ancient proverb in scriptures" Vaidyo Narayano Harihi"
By establishment of the university, all disciplines of health sciences are brought under one roof: namely modern medicine, ancient Indian systems of medicine, allied health sciences like dentistry, physiotherapy, nursing, paramedical sciences. Apart from these, veterinary sciences is also included under its purview.
The degrees awarded by the university are recognised by national statutory bodies like MCI, DCI, Central council of Indian Medicine, Central council of Homeopathy and Indian nursing council. The university strives to keep up the standards of education by strict adherence to rules governing each course as per the decisions of the respective councils. Outgoing students of the university are keeping up the flag high with attractive placements in India and abroad, in Government and private sectors, as well as in corporate sector.
The governing bodies of the university are the Executive Council, Finance Committee, Academic Senate, Boards of studies and the Planning board. The first chancellor of the university was none other than Padmashree Late Dr N T Rama Rao garu. Presently, the Hon'ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh is the Chancellor.
Recognition and financial assistance by UGC: The University has been included in the list of universities maintained by UGC, and a committee has been constituted to assess the credibility of the university to receive central assistance, the report of which has been submitted to the UGC. As per the UGC guidelines, the university should have necessary facilities to provide for teaching, research and extension in in subjects related to medical and allied sciences which include Environmental sciences, Social and Behavioural sciences, Bioengineering, Dental, Pharmaceutical sciences, Health manpower development, Health administration etc., keeping in view the health requirements of the state. However, the state government ensures continued provision of adequate recurring grants to the university for maintenance of the activities of teaching, research and extension.
At the time of starting of the university, there were just 28 affiliated colleges. Now the number has become 348! It is expected to grow further, expanding the boundaries of the university. The following are the numbers of affiliated colleges in each speciality.
| S.No | Speciality | Number of affiliated colleges |
| 1 | Modern medicine | 40 |
| 2 | Dentistry | 21 |
| 3 | Ayurveda | 07 |
| 4 | Homeopathy | 06 |
| 5 | Unani | 02 |
| 6 | Nursing | 213 |
| 7 | Naturopathy and Yoga | 02 |
| 8 | Physiotherapy | 38 |
| 9 | Medical laboratory technology | 54 |
The University is rapidly expanding its services in all faculties i.e., super specialities in modern medicine and postgraduate courses in all other faculties. Proposals are under active consideration for starting new certificate and fellowship courses in the specialities which are in demand, designed as per the existing disease profile in Andhra Pradesh.
Apart regular academic activities the university also conducts and sponsors CMEs, teacher training programs, seminars, workshops, orations, guest lectures by eminent personalities etc. These are conducted either at the university headquarters or in the premises of the affiliated colleges. The Journal of the Dr. Y.S.R University of Health Sciences is going to be released very shortly.
The executive council has constituted a corpus fund of Rs.10,00,000/- for conducting Continued Medical Education and medical Research activities. The interest accrued on the deposit is utilised for the purpose. Financial assistance is provided to affiliated colleges and Professional associations for organising these programs.
In the last few years, Medical education has been undergoing remarkable changes, with a greater emphasis on need based education, which is more community oriented than hospital oriented. To meet the changing needs, the university has been collaborating with national and international universities and health agencies.