787 pregnant women shifted to hospitals in four districts, says Health Minister

As many as 787 pregnant women who are within a week of delivery have been shifted to nearby hospitals in Krishna, East Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Eluru districts as a precautionary measure in view of the impact of Cyclone Montha, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav said.

The Minister said local authorities were gathering details of pregnant women through ANMs and moving those in need to the nearest community health centres, as well as area and district hospitals. Similar measures were being implemented in all the 17 affected districts, he added.

Special precautions were being taken for high-risk pregnant women, and medical camps had been set up at 551 rehabilitation centres across the 17 districts. A team comprising a Primary Health Centre doctor, an ANM and an ASHA worker was posted at each camp, the Minister said.

Principal Secretary (Health) Saurabh Gaur instructed officials, doctors and paramedical staff to follow the Standard Operating Procedures issued to the districts. In-Charge Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Neelakantha Reddy held a video conference with district officials and Superintendents of Government General Hospitals to review cyclone preparedness measures.