The Humble Beginning of St. Mary’s Hospital Bhimavaram

St. Mary’s Hospital, Bhimavaram is run by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate (CMSI) and was established in 1954. At that time, Bhimavaram had very limited healthcare facilities. Women had little access to antenatal care, and maternal mortality was high due to the lack of medical services. The health of neonates, children, and the seriously ill posed a serious concern for the local population.

The pioneering sisters, who were trained nurses, dedicated their lives to promoting health and serving the poor and needy. They began their mission by starting a small dispensary in a humble hut. In 1955, a hospital building was completed with a capacity of 40 beds, along with an operation theatre and a labour room. Gradually, the hospital was further equipped with a laboratory and X-ray facilities.

The committed service of the management and staff attracted patients from Bhimavaram and surrounding villages, and even from distant areas. One such outstanding personality was Dr. Sr. Achamma (Sr. Beatrice), who served this region tirelessly for 34 years, from 1979 to 2013. As a dedicated gynecologist, she worked round the clock in service of the people.

The Growth of St.Mary’s Hospital

Over the years, several major infrastructure renovations have been carried out to improve the hospital’s functioning, benefiting a large number of people. More doctors and qualified healthcare professionals have joined the team, strengthening the quality of care provided.

At present, the hospital functions with a team of multispecialty doctors offering services in Laparoscopic Surgery, General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology, Anesthesia, and Palliative Medicine.

The hospital is equipped with facilities such as ultrasound scanning, 2D Echo, CTG, ECG, well-equipped laboratory services, operation theatres, a post-operative ITU, an ICU with ventilator support, and round-the-clock casualty services supported by a central oxygen and monitoring system. In addition, there is a dedicated Palliative Care Unit providing compassionate care for terminally ill cancer patients.

St. Mary’s Hospital provides a comfortable and caring environment with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare at an affordable cost. The hospital places great emphasis on patient satisfaction through respectful interaction with patients and their families, without any discrimination. Timely treatment, the use of standard medicines at reasonable prices, and compassionate service are key priorities.

To support those in need, the hospital offers subsidies on medicine bills for all patients and provides free beds in the general ward. In many cases, free medicines are also given to the poor and deserving. Through these efforts, the hospital helps save numerous families from falling into extreme poverty due to  healthcare expenses.

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.

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 Congregation of the  Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate”(CMSI) . 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, The  co-ordinator 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: 160
* Inpatients:  143
* Home Care Visits: 20
* Deaths: 59
* Bereavement Visits: 26