Telangana HC sets 2-week deadline for State govt to fill vacancies in Koti Maternity Hospital

The court issued the directive after taking suo motu cognizance of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) triggered by a report titled ‘Nirlaksyapu Needana Amma Vedana’ highlighting the hospital’s poor conditions

Hyderabad: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court has given the State government a two-week deadline to fill vacancies at the Government Maternity Hospital in Koti, Hyderabad, which has been grappling with severe staff shortages and inadequate facilities.

The court issued the directive after taking suo motu cognizance of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) triggered by a report titled ‘Nirlaksyapu Needana Amma Vedana’ highlighting the hospital’s poor conditions.

The bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice G Radha Rani, had noted that earlier, Advocate Commissioner Padmaja R N was appointed to inspect the hospital. Her subsequent report detailed serious concerns, including overcrowding, unsanitary labour rooms, and a lack of essential medical equipment such as ventilators and ICU facilities.

According to the report, patients often wait for up to seven hours to consult a doctor and receive medicines only after waiting for another hour. There is also a severe shortage of basic amenities, including toilets and proper seating.

Hospital superintendent M Shailaja Prasad, acknowledged the challenges in her affidavit, citing that the facility currently operates with only 160 beds and two units while serving an average of 400 outpatients daily and conducting around 13,000 deliveries annually.

The hospital is also facing logistical issues, such as a lack of parking space and dilapidated ambulances. Efforts to improve conditions are underway, including the construction of two new four-floor blocks, which are expected to ease overcrowding.

Additionally, new cots, equipment, and a recently allotted ambulance are being introduced. However, the absence of an ICU and ventilator facilities remains a critical issue, forcing the transfer of seriously ill patients to other hospitals like Osmania General and Niloufer Hospital. During the hearing, an amicus curiae appointed by the court reported that despite previous assurances, the vacancies remain unfilled.

The Government Pleader requested additional time, and the bench allowed two weeks for the recruitment process to be completed. The case is scheduled for further hearing in February.