Anakapalli: PHC staff holds buckets as woman delivers baby in leaking labor room
Not just the labor room, but all the wards and examination rooms are in dilapidated condition.
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 8 Oct 2022 5:56 AM GMT
Anakapalli: A woman delivered a baby in a leaking labor room at Primary Healthcare Center, Devarapalli in the Anakapalli district. For the last few days, rainwater entered the hospital premises. The staff had to drain out the water every hour to avoid inconvenience to the patients.
The labor room was in a most pathetic state. Hospital staff had to use buckets and utensils to prevent leaking water from falling on the pregnant woman.
Devarapalli PHC is the only health facility for the local tribal villagers. PHC has two doctors, three nurses, and a few regular staff. The government granted Rs 30 lakh for the repair works in 2021. However, the contractor abandoned work midway.
Maintenance
Not just the labor room, but all the wards and examination rooms are in dilapidated condition. Bushes have overgrown in the compound and construction material is littered on the terrace. A video shows a woman sitting on one side of the bed holding a newborn as water leaks from the ceiling.
What do the officials say?
Speaking to News Meter, Anakapalli District Medical & Health Officer Dr. Hemanth Kumar said: "Roads and Building (R&B) department is taking up the repair works with a cost of Rs 30 lakh. Tenders have been floated in May 2021, but the contractors stopped work abruptly. Despite giving notices, he did not respond. We have been told that the R&B department is finalizing tenders for taking the repair works immediately", he added.
Reacting to the incident, Minister for Health, Family Welfare & Medical Education Vidadala Rajani promised to sanction a new building for Devarapalli PHC with a budget of Rs 2.5 crore. Under Nadu-Nedu, Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned for repair works.
