Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital (MGMH), one of the largest state-run multi-specialty and tertiary hospitals in Telangana, has partnered with Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) to set up comprehensive patient support services.
The 1,500-bedded MGM Hospital in Warangal caters to over 3,000 outpatients daily. The OPD functions from 9 am to 12 pm and again from 4 pm to 6 pm. In addition, the hospital handles 700–750 medical emergencies every day. With specialized services spanning pediatrics, oncology, palliative care, geriatrics, psychiatry, de-addiction, and super specialties such as cardiology at PMSSY Hospital, MGMH serves as a crucial healthcare hub for the region.
Serving a Diverse Patient Population
Patients from neighboring districts including Hanamkonda, Jangaon, Mahabubabad, Mulugu, Jaishankar Bhupalapally, and Narsampet regularly visit MGMH. Nearly 20% of the patient load comes from tribal communities. Given the wide spectrum of services and the hospital’s complex ecosystem, the need for robust patient support systems has become essential for ensuring accessibility, mobility, and continuity of care.
HHF Expands Its Help Desk Model to Tier-2 Cities
HHF has been successfully running patient support services in state-run hospitals in Hyderabad through its Help Desk model. In collaboration with the Basheer and Sarwar Babukhan Human Development Trust (BSB HDT), HHF has now extended this initiative to Tier-2 cities and rural districts in Telangana, beginning with Warangal.
Deployment of Community Health Workers
To streamline patient care at MGMH, HHF has deployed seven trained Community Health Workers (CHWs):
- Three female CHWs assist patients with OPD registration, ABHA ID generation (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission), pharmacy guidance, navigation within the hospital, and paperwork for government schemes.
- Four male CHWs are positioned at the Casualty and Emergency Block to provide mobility assistance, helping patients move to different departments such as Surgery, ECG, MOT, X-ray, Ultrasound, and CT scan. They also extend mobility support to discharged patients until they exit the hospital premises.
Helpline for Seamless Patient Navigation
To further support patients, particularly those from tribal areas, HHF has introduced a dedicated helpline. This service ensures smoother intra-district referrals and facilitates patient transfers between MGMH and government tertiary hospitals in Hyderabad, where HHF also operates Help Desk services. This initiative is expected to significantly improve patient trust and treatment outcomes.
Formal Launch of the Initiative
As per the press release, the Patient Support Services were officially launched by Dr. Satya Sharada IAS, Collector of Warangal, in the presence of Hospital Superintendent Dr. K. Kishore Kumar, Dr. Vasanth Rao (Deputy CS RMO), and CAS RMOs Dr. Shashi Kumar, Dr. Mamatha Devi, and Dr. Ashwini Kumar.
Enhancing Public Healthcare Experience
“Patient Support Services in MGM will mean less confusion and more care. Easier accessibility through Help Desk guidance will reduce stress, save time, and prevent repetitive queries. In the long run, it will improve patient trust in public healthcare,” said Mujtaba Hasan Askari of Helping Hand Foundation.
Acknowledgment of Support
HHF expressed gratitude to Health Minister Shri C. Damodar Rajanarshima for his support in strengthening the Rural Patient Support Program.