The Humble Beginning of St. Mary’s Hospital, Bhimavaram

St. Mary’s Hospital, Bhimavaram, run by the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate (CMSI), was established in 1954 when healthcare facilities in the region were very limited. Maternal and child healthcare was a major concern, especially for women in rural communities.

The pioneering sisters, trained as nurses, began their mission with a small dispensary in a humble hut, serving the poor and needy with dedication and compassion. In 1955, a 40-bed hospital with an operation theatre and labour room was established, followed by laboratory and X-ray facilities.

Over the years, the hospital became a trusted centre of healthcare for people from Bhimavaram and surrounding areas. Dr. Sr. Achamma (Sr. Beatrice) served the community as a dedicated gynecologist for 34 years (1979–2013), giving herself tirelessly to the care of the sick.

The Growth of St. Mary’s Hospital

Over the years, St. Mary’s Hospital has grown through continuous infrastructure development and the addition of skilled healthcare professionals, enabling us to serve the community more effectively.

Today, the hospital offers multispecialty services in Laparoscopic Surgery, General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology, Anesthesia, and Palliative Medicine.

The hospital is equipped with a range of modern medical facilities, including laparoscopic surgery, cashless insurance services, ultrasound scanning, 2D Echo, CTG, ECG, comprehensive laboratory services, well-equipped operation theatres, a post-operative ITU, and an ICU with ventilator support. It also provides 24-hour casualty services, supported by a central oxygen supply and continuous patient monitoring. In addition, the hospital has a dedicated Palliative Care Unit, offering compassionate and comprehensive care to terminally ill cancer patients, with a focus on comfort, dignity and quality of life.

HISTORY OF ST. MARY’S PALLIATIVE CARE CENTRE

NEED FOR THE PALLIATIVE CARE CENTRE IN BHIMAVARAM

Bhimavaram has several multi-specialty and super-specialty hospitals, yet accessible palliative care for terminally ill patients remains limited. Many families approached St. Mary’s Hospital, expressing their need for compassionate care for their loved ones during the final stages of illness.

The establishment of the Omega Cancer Centre at Bhimavaram further highlighted the growing need for comprehensive palliative care, especially for cancer patients who cannot afford prolonged medical treatment.

Due to the limited availability of palliative care services in Andhra Pradesh, the Sisters undertook extensive online study and visits to leading palliative care centres in Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Visakhapatnam and Mumbai.  Sisters completed their certificate course in Pain and Palliative course at MNJ Hospital, Hyderabad, preparing them to serve patients with greater knowledge and compassion.

A HISTORIC DAY

A long-awaited and historic day in the journey of St. Mary’s Hospital, Bhimavaram, dawned on 10 April 2024, with the inauguration of an 8-bedded Palliative Care Centre exclusively for cancer patients.

The Centre provides accomodation, food, medicines and essential care completely free of cost. We offer medical and nursing care, pain and symptom management, psychological support and spiritual accompaniment. Inpatient admissions commenced on 1 August 2024.

The Centre primarily serves advanced-stage cancer patients above 20 years, providing medical care, medicines, food, accommodation and compassionate support completely free of cost, without discrimination.

A PATIENT’S JOURNEY

A patient may come to us through a cancer centre, hospital, doctor, family or community.

We begin by listening—understanding the patient’s pain, symptoms, fears, family situation and spiritual needs. We then provide an individualized care plan for comfort and quality of life.

One attendant is required to support the patient.

Whenever possible, we continue care through home visits and follow-up.

At the end of life, our focus is comfort, dignity, peace and compassionate presence. We also extend bereavement support to families.

It is not just about treating illness—it is about accompanying the patient and family with compassion throughout the journey.

OUR TEAM

Many hands. One mission. One heart of compassion.

Palliative care is a team effort. Our doctors, nurses and caregivers work together to care for the whole person—not just the illness.

Dr. Sr. Simily, trained in Pain and Palliative Medicine, provides medical care, pain and symptom management. Sr. Regi, Nurse-in-Charge and trained in palliative care, leads our nursing team in providing compassionate bedside care.

Growth and Development

Over the past two years,we have increased  our bed strength from 8 to 12. We have improved patient care, upgraded facilities, strengthened our services, and promoted staff training and development. We have also created awareness about palliative care through our website and social media platforms.

Since admissions began in August 2024, more than 230 patients have received care through our inpatient, outpatient and home-care services.

Statistics of Last two years

Patient Feedback

Many patients and their families have shared that after being discharged from cancer centers, they struggled to manage severe pain, distressing symptoms, and the need for oxygen at home. The emotional and physical burden of caring for a loved one during the final stage of illness often became overwhelming. Here, we felt cared for—not as patients alone, but as members of the St. Mary’s family

Looking Ahead

We sincerely thank our Province, benefactors, donors, doctors, sisters, staff, and well-wishers for their support and generosity. Together, we continue our mission

OUR DREAM

Every life is precious until the very end.
Our dream is to ensure that every person experiences dignity, comfort, love and hope throughout their final journey.