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.

The Growth of St.Mary’s Hospital

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 hospitalAt present the hospital functions with the clinical services offered by  specialists doctors with  Laparoscopic Surgery ,General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics &Gynecology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology 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, 2D Echo, CTG, ECG, Laboratory facilities, Operation Theatres, Post-operative ITU, ICU with ventilator support, and round-the-clock casualty services with a central oxygen and monitoring system.

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.

Newly Introduced Service:

The History of St. Mary’s palliative Care Centre

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), palliative care is a vital component of integrated, people-centered health services. Relieving serious health-related suffering—whether physical, psychological, social, or spiritual—is a global ethical responsibility.

St. Mary’s Palliative Care Centre is an extension of St. Mary’s Hospital, run by the Nirmala Sisters of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate congregation. A dedicated team of sisters, supported by lay staff and the Bhimavaram community, coordinates the Centre’s activities. Responding to the felt need and repeated requests from the people of Bhimavaram, our hospital ventured into this field of Palliative Care to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life of cancer patients who are at the end of life.

On April 10th, 2024, the hospital began this new initiative to care for terminally ill cancer patients. From August 1st onward, patients started being admitted to the palliative care unit. St.Mary’s Palliative care centre follows a team-based approach.  Dr.Sr. Simily C.C. MSI, who is trained in Pain and Palliative Medicine at MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, at Hyderabad ,gives special attention to the overall well-being of patients. She visits the patients daily, attends to their medical needs, and is available to them 24/7.

The nursing team coordinates the day-to-day work under the leadership of Sr. Regi George,MSI Head of the Department, who had trained specially in Pain and Palliative Nursing at MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre at Hyderabad, ensures the smooth functioning of the Centre with the support of nurses and other staff members. At present, priority is given to cancer patients in their advanced stages of suffering who are above 20 years of age. The Centre provides shelter, food, medicines, and all essential care completely free of cost.

* Outpatients: 110
* Inpatients:  90
* Home Care Visits: 13
* Deaths: 38
* Bereavement Visits: 15