Palamuru Hospital Overburdened with Maternity Cases from Surrounding Districts Amid Severe Doctor Shortage

Palamuru (Mahabubnagar) Government General Hospital has become the primary facility for delivery and maternity cases from surrounding districts including Narayanpet, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Jadcherla, and Vikarabad. Despite clear instructions from health authorities to conduct deliveries at primary health care centers, these orders are poorly implemented at the ground level, causing patients to travel to Mahabubnagar.

Since January this year, the hospital has recorded 1,191 delivery cases, leading to heavy crowding at its Mother and Child Health (MCH) center. Local referral practices have continuously directed expectant mothers from primary facilities to this single regional hub.

The hospital is also grappling with a severe shortage of medical staff. Out of 32 sanctioned doctor posts in the gynecology department, only 12 doctors are currently available. The remaining vacancies have significantly increased the workload on the existing staff.

Local residents and patients are demanding immediate steps to ensure normal deliveries take place at nearby primary and area hospitals, which would help reduce the operational load on the Palamuru hospital.