Eturunagaram CHC achieves rare feat

Conducts 372 institutional deliveries just in a span of six months; District Collector A Murali has set an example by admitting his daughter, Pragathi, at Mulug government Civil hospital for delivery

Bhupalpalli: The medical and revenue officials in the district have been making committed efforts to promote institutional deliveries at government civil hospitals and community health centres.

Recently the District Collector, Akoonuri Murali, set an example by admitting his daughter Pragathi at Mulug government civil hospital for delivery and thus sent across a message that government hospitals are best equipped for deliveries.

In the similar lines, a medical superintendent at Eturunagaram government community health centre (CHC) has been making efforts in ensuring institutional deliveries benefitting the local tribals. The health centre has set a record of sorts by conducting 372 deliveries in the past six months.

The medical superintendent at Eturunagaram CHC, Dr P Aparna said the centre, equipped with 30 beds has conducted 74 deliveries in March alone. Of the total deliveries, 35 are normal deliveries and 39 are C-section (cesarean section) deliveries.

Likewise, in last October 58 deliveries took place at the CHC, of which 30 were normal and 28 were C-section; in November 52 with 31 normal and 21 C-section deliveries; and in December 73 of which 55 normal and 18 C-section deliveries. In this January and February 61 and 54 deliveries took place at the CHC.

“At the CHC, we are offering quality services on par with 100-bed hospitals. During the past six months, we conducted 213 normal and 159 C-section deliveries. It is a rare achievement for a 30-bed hospital,” Dr Aparna told The Hans India.

‘We at the CHC want to fulfill the State government’s intention of ensuring child deliveries at government hospitals. We have gynecologists and an anesthetist along with child specialists to take care of new-born babies. With our collective efforts we are able promote institutional deliveries,’ she added.

The local tribal and non-tribal women are being explained about the free medical services and benefits offered by the government for those come for child delivery. They are being informed about the recent scheme to provide 'KCR kit' to new mothers.

Focus is being laid to educate tribal woman not to opt for home deliveries instead admit in government hospitals for child delivery for the safety of both the child and the mother. The pregnant women are explained about the risks that involved in home deliveries.

“When the pregnant women come for checkups to the CHC, the staff here notes down their contact numbers and residential details. Prior to one week of the delivery date, we keep in contact with them enquiring their condition and encourage them come to the hospital for child delivery,” Dr Aparna said.

The exercise of keeping in touch with the pregnant women has helped to increase institutional deliveries. Besides those falling under the limits of the CHC, women from neighbouring six mandals are also coming here now, she added.

The doctor felt that if proper awareness is created among the locals, there is a chance of increasing institutional deliveries further. The staff and medical team at the CHC are now focusing in the direction, she informed.