Andhra Pradesh: Two Govt Hospitals in Vizag Get NABH Accreditation

Vishakhapatnam: Two government hospitals in the state – the Government Mental Care Hospital and the Government Chest Diseases Hospital--have been granted accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).

Officials said this was in conformity with Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's vision of delivering top-notch healthcare services to the people. The accreditation would help improve health care services in the two state hospitals here as also introduce new services.

The new services, including specialized blocks and units, such as a pulmonary rehabilitation centre and lung biopsies, would commence soon.

Additionally, innovative approaches like Telemanas-on phone consultancy will be introduced. This underscores a commitment to improved patient care and signifies the hospitals' dedication to advanced treatments and more convenient healthcare access, the authorities said.

The Government Mental Care Hospital recorded a remarkable 98 per cent recovery rate, excluding chronic conditions. Recent census figures display 1,172 new cases and 28,443 previous cases in the last six months. It also noted that 79,564 patients sought treatment for varied mental health concerns.

Hospital superintendent Dr Rama Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that major disorders treated at the hospital included Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and alcohol-related disorders. The prevalence of Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorders is higher among females. Genetic factors play a significant role in most cases.

The hospital's treatment portfolio encompasses anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), alcohol addiction and depression.

With the NABH accreditation in hand, plans are to establish a dedicated child psychology block and a child Psychiatry unit.

The Government Chest Diseases Hospital, the second government hospital to get NABH accreditation in the state, serves as a vital hub for diagnosing and treating pulmonary ailments. Handling 200 daily outpatient cases and accommodating 120 to 150 inpatients, it's a key player in pulmonary healthcare.

Notably, it ranks as India's second-largest pulmonary care hospital, boasting facilities like  10 isolation beds for contagious diseases, ensuring top-notch care and ensuring top-notch care in all situations.

Hospital superintendent Sunil Kumar said, "Our treatment encompasses a wide range including for asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, empyema, and Covid-19. We've a specialized ward addressing snoring-related issues."

All medical care is administered within the framework of YSR Aarogyasri or ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Digital Machine), requiring patients to present their Aadhar or health card. With NABH accreditation as a catalyst, the hospital is poised to introduce a dedicated Thoracic unit soon.