Gandra raises alarm over declining healthcare standards at Bhupalpally hospital

Jayashankar Bhupalpally: Former MLA Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy on Sunday accused the State government of neglecting the Bhupalpalli District Government General Hospital, alleging that poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, and inadequate medical services have pushed the hospital into a crisis. Making a surprise visit to the hospital following media reports and public complaints, Gandra inspected various sections of the facility and questioned whether it was functioning as a district general hospital or merely as a referral centre. He alleged that even patients with minor ailments are being referred to other hospitals due to inadequate facilities.

The former MLA claimed that the hospital has been facing a drinking water shortage for the past five days, forcing patients and attendants to purchase bottled water. He also pointed to unhygienic and locked toilets, issues with the oxygen plant, and unused transformers lying on the premises, alleging a lack of proper maintenance.

Gandra further alleged that the recently launched MRI scan facility has remained non-functional because the machine is not operational and specialist staff have not been appointed. He said the absence of essential services has eroded public confidence in the district hospital.

Recalling the previous BRS government’s tenure, he said former ministers Harish Rao and Etela Rajender had regularly monitored the hospital and strengthened healthcare services, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Criticising the government’s alleged inaction despite recurring complaints, Gandra urged District Collector Rahul Sharma and Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu to intervene immediately and restore essential services. He also appealed to Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha to personally inspect the hospital and ensure the availability of drinking water, sanitation, doctors, nursing staff, medicines, medical equipment, and other essential facilities.