MGM Hospital Enhances Patient Care with New Support Services

The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Hospital in Warangal, recognized as one of the largest state-run multi-specialty hospitals in north Telangana, has launched new patient support services in collaboration with the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF). The services were officially inaugurated on October 10, 2023, by District Collector Satya Sharada Devi, alongside MGM Hospital Superintendent K. Kishore Kumar and other hospital staff.

MGM Hospital, which features 1,500 beds, caters to over 3,000 out-patients daily and handles approximately 700 to 750 emergency cases each day. It serves patients from the surrounding districts of Warangal, Karimnagar, and Khammam, making it a critical healthcare facility in the region. The introduction of these support services aims to enhance patient experience and streamline the process of accessing medical care.

Collaboration with Helping Hand Foundation

The partnership with HHF is a strategic move to expand patient support services through a Help Desk model, which has already been successfully implemented in various state-run hospitals in Hyderabad. This initiative is supported by the Basheer and Sarwar Babukhan Human Development Trust, which collaborates with HHF to provide comprehensive assistance to patients.

As part of this initiative, HHF has assigned seven trained community health workers (CHWs) to MGM Hospital. The team includes three female CHWs, who will assist patients with outpatient department (OPD) registration, particularly in obtaining their Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABHA ID), as well as providing pharmacy assistance, navigational support, and documentation for government health schemes. Meanwhile, four male CHWs will focus on mobility assistance, helping patients navigate between the casualty department and other areas of the hospital.

Improved Patient Trust and Accessibility

In addition to the on-ground support, a dedicated helpline will be established to facilitate intra-district and hospital pathways for patients, especially tribal patients. This helpline will connect patients between MGM Hospital and government tertiary hospitals in Hyderabad, where HHF also operates help desk services.

Mujtaba Hasan Askari from HHF emphasized the significance of these services, stating, “Patient support services in MGM will mean less confusion and more care. Easier accessibility through guidance from the help desk will reduce stress, time, and repetitive queries. In the long run, it will improve patient trust in public health.”

The launch of these patient support services is expected to significantly enhance the quality of care at MGM Hospital, fostering a more supportive environment for patients seeking medical assistance. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this highlight the importance of collaboration in improving patient experience and outcomes.