Government Tightens Maternal Healthcare Monitoring in Tribal Areas Following Gundala PHC Incident
In the wake of the recent maternal death at the Gundala Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha has directed health officials to identify high-risk pregnancies at an early stage and ensure timely referrals to higher healthcare facilities to prevent similar tragedies.
The directive comes as the Telangana Government intensifies monitoring of maternal healthcare services in tribal regions following the unfortunate incident.
The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting held in Hyderabad with Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) project officers and senior officials from the Health and Tribal Welfare Departments. During the meeting, the Health Minister said the maternal death at Gundala PHC should serve as a lesson for the healthcare system and stressed that every possible effort must be made to avoid such incidents in the future.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare access, the Minister said geographical challenges such as dense forests, hilly terrain, and poor road connectivity should never become barriers to timely medical treatment for people living in tribal areas.
Expansion of Dialysis and Kidney Care Services
Reviewing kidney care services in tribal districts, officials informed the Minister that 25 dialysis centres are currently providing treatment to 1,373 active patients.
To strengthen renal healthcare infrastructure, the Minister reviewed plans to establish 34 additional dialysis centres equipped with a total of 170 dialysis beds across tribal areas. He also examined a proposal to set up 37 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) beds in 12 priority hospitals to improve emergency kidney care services.
Focus on Sickle Cell Disease, Anaemia, TB and Cancer Screening
The Health Minister directed officials to accelerate screening and management of sickle cell disease, thalassemia, anaemia, and tuberculosis (TB) in tribal populations. He also instructed authorities to expand the reach of mobile cancer screening services to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment in remote regions.
Gundala PHC Incident Triggered Administrative Action
The review follows disciplinary action initiated by the Telangana Government after the maternal death at Gundala PHC. Earlier, the government suspended the in-charge Medical Officer of the Primary Health Centre and ordered disciplinary proceedings against three other healthcare personnel after an inquiry reportedly found serious lapses in patient care and referral procedures.
The latest directives reflect the state’s renewed focus on strengthening maternal healthcare services, improving referral mechanisms, and expanding specialised medical facilities in underserved tribal areas to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve overall health outcomes.
