Mahabubnagar‘s Government General Hospital (GGH) is facing a troubling rise in criminal activities, highlighting its security weaknesses. This hospital, vital for many patients, has become a site for thefts, kidnappings, and harassment, creating fear among doctors, patients, and visitors.
Thieves often disguise themselves as patients or attendants to enter the hospital. They target not only patients and their families but also doctors. Allegations suggest some hospital staff may be helping these criminals, allowing the crimes to go on despite numerous complaints to authorities.
Diddi Praveen Kumar, a social activist and advocate, has persistently brought attention to these issues by filing multiple complaints. Unfortunately, the situation remains unchanged, and conditions worsen. Patients and staff express concerns that the 12-member Special Protection Force (SPF), responsible for the hospital’s security, is ineffective. The hospital sees 1,000–2,000 patients daily, yet the SPF fails to provide adequate protection.
Several incidents illustrate the seriousness of the problem. Recently, Dr. Kamil Ahmed, a pediatrician, reported a theft of Rs15,000 from his room during his duty hours. Last August, a woman lost a gold chain weighing 16 tolas. In 2024, a four-year-old child was kidnapped, leading the district judge and senior officials to scrutinize security measures. In 2022, a newborn baby disappeared from the hospital.
Despite these incidents, SPF personnel face accusations of negligence. ASI Prasad, the head of hospital security, is criticized for not fulfilling his responsibilities. Staff and patients claim he rarely ensures proper vigilance, even though theft and crime reports are regularly filed.
The hospital administration acknowledges these incidents and promises to enhance security by installing more CCTV cameras and enforcing stricter monitoring. However, activist Praveen Kumar claims many existing cameras are broken, with no attempts to repair or replace them.
