The Humble Beginning of St. Mary’s Hospital Bhimavaram

The congregation of the Missionary sisters of the Immaculate (CMSI) started St.Mary’s hospital in1954 at Bhimavaram which was at time extremely deprived of healthcare facilities.  This initiative was in response to the urgent need of the people of Bhimavaram in the present West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The women were deprived of antenatal care and maternal mortality was high due to no access to medical facilities. The healthcare of neonates, children and the seriously sick was serious threat to the population here. The nuns who were trained nurses gave their life for the cause of promoting life, helping the poor and needy patients by starting a dispensary in a small hut. In 1955a building was completed with a capacity of 40 beds, an operation theatre and Labour room. Gradually the hospital was equipped with Laboratory and X-ray.

The committed service of management and staff attracted many patients suffering from various diseases in and around Bhimavaram and even from distant villages. One of such outstanding personality was Dr. Sr.Achamma (Sr.Beatrice 1979-2013) who served this area for 34 years. She served the people tirelessly round the clock as a Gynecologist.

As years passed by some major infrastructure renovations were done in the hospital for its better functioning and a good number of people benefitted from it. More doctors and more qualified healthcare professionals also joined the hospital.

At present the hospital functions with the clinical services offered by  specialists doctors with General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics &Gynecology,,Paediatrics, Family Medicine, Anesthesia and Palliative Medicine).All the newborn babies are facilitated with Pediatric assistance and vaccination  programme. A few other doctors are also serving here on-call according to the needs of the patients.

This hospital is well equipped with Ultrasound scanning, CTG,ECG, Laboratory, Major and minor OT Post Operative ICU and round-the-clock Casualty services.

OUR MISSION

To serve the poor and needy for the love of God and Humanity.

OUR VISION

To provide highest quality care characterized by dedicated service with love and compassion exceeding patient satisfaction at all times.

St.Mary’s Hospital assures a comfortable atmosphere, with a focus on delivering best quality care, prompt lab test, and affordable treatment. The hospital emphasizes patient satisfaction by maintaining good interaction with patient and relatives without any discrimination, implementing timely procedures, offering standard medicines at moderate prices. The hospital offers subsidies on medicine bills for all patients and free bed in the general ward. Quite often free medication is provided to those in need.  We save a large number of families from falling into extreme poverty due to catastrophic healthcare expenses.

Our Healthcare Initiatives:

• All types of surgeries are performed at affordable rates by skilled doctors

• Trustworthy nursing care is provided by a dedicated team of  staff under the supervision of doctors round the clock

• Every Wednesday afternoon the hospital offers free outpatient consultations and low-cost cancer screening tests.

• A calm and caring atmosphere ensures patients receive treatment with dignity.

Expert Medical Team:

1. Dr. Sr. Grazia Lobo – Medical Superintendent.
2. Dr. Sr. Simily C.C – MS General Surgery,Felloship in Family Medicine(St.John’s),Pain & Palliative Medicine(MNJ)

The Only Female General Surgeon In Bhimavaram.

Manages various surgical cases like open hernioplasty, Appendicetomy, Diabetic wound ,Piles,Fistula with expertise.Also treats patients for diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and fevers

3.Dr. K.Sindhu, MS (Obstetrics & Gynecology) – Infertility Specialist.

Fellowship in   Reproductive medicine (Ferty9).Successfully treated numerous infertility cases

Antenatal Care giving priority for normal deliveries, LSCS, Hysterectomies

Radiologist available daily from 3pm.

Paediatricians available on Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 8-9am

Newly Introduced Service:

1.Palliative Care Unit:

Recently launched to support terminally ill cancer patients.

Ensures a pain-free and compassionate end-of-life care at free of cost.

2.Geriatric Care (Upcoming)

A planned initiative to provide specialized medical care for the elderly, ensuring no senior citizen in Bhimavaram suffers without support.

St. Mary’s Hospital is committed to offering quality healthcare at an affordable price, ensuring that everyone in and around Bhimavaram receives the medical attention they deserve. From birth to old age, we stand by our patients, providing unwavering support and care.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) palliative care is a crucial part of integrated, people-centered health services. Relieving serious health-related suffering, be it physical, psychological, social or spiritual, is a global ethical responsibility.
Responding to the felt need and the constant request from the people of Bhimavaram we ventured in to this field of health care to alleviate suffering and to improve the quality of  persons who are at the end of life.  In 2024, April 10th the hospital ventured in to a new initiative to care for the terminally ill patients & from August 1st onwards patients started to get admitted in palliative care. The patients and their attenders expressed their gratitude for our services regarding the relief from pain and other symptoms , which was the core aim of the palliative care services.

St. Mary’s Palliative Care Centre an extension of St. Mary’s Hospital. A dedicated team of nuns co-ordinates the functions, supported by Bhimavaram community. Palliative medicine employs a team-based approach involving physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, volunteers and other healthcare professionals to alleviate suffering and address various aspects of patients’ lives affected by advanced illness. These include Cancer, congestive heart failure (CHF), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Kidney failure, Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, stroke and many more. The Centre provides shelter, food, medicines and other essentials absolutely free of cost.Services are provided to the patients over the age of 20 years.