Pregnant women left without medicare at Chintapalli Hosp 50 to 100 women visit the hospital daily for routine health check-ups

Medical services for pregnant women have come to a sudden halt at the Chintapalli Area Hospital, leaving dozens of expectant mothers without crucial care. With one doctor resigning and two others on leave, services like ultrasound scanning and health checks for pregnant women have been suspended.
The hospital typically serves pregnant and lactating women from 11 primary health centres (PHCs) in Chintapalli and GK Vedhi mandals. On any given day, 50 to 100 women arrive at the hospital for routine health check-ups. Additionally, women from surrounding areas such as Seeleru, Dharakonda, Pedavalasa, GK Vedhi, Korukonda, and Tajangi depend on the hospital for ultrasound scans. Under the Prime Minister’s Safe Motherhood Campaign, health check-ups for pregnant women are usually conducted on the 9th and 10th of every month, but this month’s appointments are now in jeopardy.
The disruption stems from recent staffing changes. Dr S Praveena, one of the three female doctors at the hospital, resigned just two days ago to join Paderu Medical College as a senior resident. Another doctor, Srilatha, is currently on maternity leave, and Dr. Sudhasaradha has been on leave for the past four days. Although Dr. Sudhasaradha was transferred to Narsipatnam Area Hospital a month ago, she is yet to be relieved of her duties due to a lack of available replacements.
“We are aware of the serious shortage of female doctors and anaesthetists at the hospital,” said Dr G Prabhavathi, Superintendent. “We have brought the issue to the attention of our superiors. The Collector and Vaidya Vidhana Parishad officials are working diligently to resolve the matter. Unfortunately, many doctors are unwilling to work in tribal areas.” Despite the ongoing issues, Dr Prabhavathi assured that alternative doctors will be arranged to minimise disruption for pregnant women. “We will do everything in our power to ensure pregnant women do not face discomfort during this time,” she added.
This staffing crisis has placed added pressure on healthcare services in the region, affecting not just Chintapalli but neighbouring mandals as well.