Hyderabad: Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha reviewed medical services at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) on Friday. The meeting, held at the Aarogyasri Trust office, was attended by NIMS Director Dr. Beerappa and senior health officials.
NIMS patient services
Dr. Beerappa reported that NIMS treated 5.44 lakh patients in the first seven months of this year. More than half received free treatment under Aarogyasri and EHS schemes. He added that the hospital successfully performed over 100 kidney transplants this year. On average, 80–100 patients arrive daily at the emergency department.
Private hospital referrals
The director noted that many patients reached NIMS in critical condition after first receiving treatment at private and corporate hospitals. He said private hospitals often conduct surgeries, discharge patients before recovery, and then refer them to NIMS, Osmania, or Gandhi Hospitals. This practice adds pressure on public hospitals.
Minister’s instructions
The minister praised NIMS staff for their commitment but urged them to remain alert in handling emergencies. He directed doctors to admit patients without delay, stabilise them in the emergency ward, and then transfer them to the required department. Raja Narasimha instructed staff to give priority to patients coming directly to NIMS or referred from government hospitals.
He stressed that patients sent from corporate hospitals must also be treated with sympathy. At the same time, he ordered strict action against private hospitals discharging patients midway through treatment.
Strengthening coordination
The minister instructed Gandhi, Osmania, NIMS, and other government hospitals to coordinate their emergency departments. He said hospitals must provide primary treatment and stabilise patients before referring them. For critical cases, he directed that a doctor accompany the patient in the ambulance.
Warning to negligent staff
Raja Narasimha warned that negligence by duty doctors or RMOs in handling admissions and referrals would invite disciplinary action. Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu, Additional Director of Medical Education Vani, and Osmania Medical College Principal Dr. Rajarao also attended the meeting.
