Kothagudem, Telangana – Government hospitals in remote tribal areas of Kothagudem district are seeing a big jump in childbirths, thanks to better medical services and more doctors on duty.
In just three months—from February to April—the number of deliveries rose by 33.33%. For example, Manuguru Government Hospital had only 8 births in February, but the number shot up to 58 in April, according to Dr. Ravi Babu, District Coordinator of Hospital Services (DCHS). Across the district, total deliveries increased from 300 in February to 400 in April.
Hospitals in Bhadrachalam, Cherla, Aswaraopet, Manuguru, Burgampadu, Palvancha, and Yellandu all reported higher birth numbers. More pregnant women are now choosing government hospitals over private ones.
One major reason is the focus on natural, incision-free births. Government hospitals perform far fewer C-sections than private ones. “The safety and quality of care have improved,” said Dr. Babu.
This turnaround is not accidental. It’s the result of a strong push from the Telangana state government. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, along with ministers and officials, directed District Collector Jitesh V Patil to fix the shortage of doctors. In response, Dr. Babu announced incentives to attract specialists.
The plan worked. More obstetricians, paediatricians, anaesthesiologists, and radiologists joined Vaidya Vidhana Parishad hospitals across the district. These doctors now offer round-the-clock care in areas that once lacked basic medical services.
Dr. Babu praised the teamwork behind the success. He credited local leaders, the district administration, and upgraded facilities. “We now have proper infrastructure, 24/7 medical staff, lab tests, and important scans like ANC and TIFA available for pregnant women,” he said. “We’ve also added air conditioners and coolers in maternity wards for patient comfort.”
Another key factor is cost. Delivering a baby in a private hospital can cost anywhere from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000. In contrast, government hospitals offer these services for free or at very low cost, easing the financial burden for poor families.
With better facilities, skilled doctors, and affordable care, government hospitals in Kothagudem are becoming the first choice for expecting mothers in rural and tribal areas. The district expects these numbers to keep rising in the coming months.
