Sambhajinagar Govt Medical College & Hospital’s maternity ward delivers 52 babies daily with majority normal births, say authorities

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recorded 19,005 births in 2024, averaging 52 daily deliveries in its maternity ward. Official records indicate that approximately 75% of these were natural births, without surgical intervention.Despite recent criticism following an incident where a woman gave birth without medical assistance on the hospital premises, the administration defended their track record and called the incident a "one-off". Dr Shriniwas Gadappa, who heads the obstetrics and gynaecology department at GMCH, told TOI, "With over 19,000 childbirths during the last calendar year alone, and similarly large numbers in past years, our maternity ward holds the record for impeccable and patient-friendly service."GMCH's internal investigation of the incident revealed, through CCTV footage and staff statements, that neither the woman nor her family members sought assistance from the maternity ward. Dr Gadappa said, "The woman or her relatives did not approach the maternity ward. The family reached the GMCH premises with a significant delay when the first stage of labour pain was almost over."After the delivery, the family left GMCH, disregarding staff recommendations for post-natal care. A recorded video shows a female relative questioning the necessity of hospitalisation after the delivery had occurred.Official records confirm 66 births at GMCH on that particular Saturday. The administration expressed willingness to conduct additional investigations should the affected parties file a formal complaint.GMCH, established in 1956, serves as Marathwada's primary tertiary healthcare facility, providing medical services to patients from surrounding areas.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recorded 19,005 births in 2024, averaging 52 daily deliveries in its maternity ward. Official records indicate that approximately 75% of these were natural births, without surgical intervention.Despite recent criticism following an incident where a woman gave birth without medical assistance on the hospital premises, the administration defended their track record and called the incident a "one-off". Dr Shriniwas Gadappa, who heads the obstetrics and gynaecology department at GMCH, told TOI, "With over 19,000 childbirths during the last calendar year alone, and similarly large numbers in past years, our maternity ward holds the record for impeccable and patient-friendly service."GMCH's internal investigation of the incident revealed, through CCTV footage and staff statements, that neither the woman nor her family members sought assistance from the maternity ward. Dr Gadappa said, "The woman or her relatives did not approach the maternity ward. The family reached the GMCH premises with a significant delay when the first stage of labour pain was almost over."After the delivery, the family left GMCH, disregarding staff recommendations for post-natal care. A recorded video shows a female relative questioning the necessity of hospitalisation after the delivery had occurred.Official records confirm 66 births at GMCH on that particular Saturday. The administration expressed willingness to conduct additional investigations should the affected parties file a formal complaint.GMCH, established in 1956, serves as Marathwada's primary tertiary healthcare facility, providing medical services to patients from surrounding areas.