Ceiling collapse at MGM Hospital in Warangal injures patient, two attendants

A ceiling collapse at the state-run MGM Hospital in Warangal on Sunday morning left three people with minor injuries, including a patient being treated for paralysis. The incident occurred in the Aarogyasri ward, raising fresh concerns over the condition of ageing infrastructure in public healthcare facilities across Telangana.

The injured were identified as Mastan (55), a patient from Uppugal village in Zaffergadh mandal of Ghanpur assembly constituency, and two attendants, Yellamma (50) and Omkar (33). Hospital superintendent Dr K Ramkumar Reddy confirmed that all three were immediately shifted to another ward and received treatment. Tests were conducted and they were found to be safe.

Officials attributed the collapse to water seepage from the roof of the old building. The damaged ceiling was repaired shortly after the incident, and security and sanitation staff cleared the debris before locking the ward. Dr Reddy visited the injured and reviewed their treatment.

Details of the incident

The collapse took place in the morning hours, catching patients and staff by surprise. Witnesses reported a sudden crash as a section of the ceiling gave way, sending plaster and debris onto the beds and floor below. Mastan, who was in the ward for paralysis treatment, was directly affected, along with the two attendants who were nearby.

Hospital authorities said the ward was quickly evacuated and the injured were attended to by medical staff. X-rays and other checks were conducted to rule out serious injury. All three were discharged after observation.

Concerns over hospital infrastructure

The incident has brought attention to the state of infrastructure at MGM Hospital, which serves a large population from Warangal and surrounding districts. Patients and attendants present at the time expressed concern over the condition of the wards, noting that plaster was peeling from ceilings in other areas as well.

Dr Reddy acknowledged that the collapse occurred in an older section of the hospital and blamed water seepage for weakening the ceiling. He said repairs were carried out immediately and that the ward would remain closed until a full structural inspection is completed.

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What this means for patients and visitors

For residents of Warangal and nearby areas who rely on MGM Hospital for treatment, the incident underscores the need for regular maintenance and safety audits in public hospitals. While the injuries in this case were minor, a similar failure in a more critical ward could have serious consequences.

Patients and their families are advised to report any visible signs of damage, such as cracking plaster or water stains on ceilings, to hospital staff immediately. The incident also highlights the broader challenge of maintaining ageing infrastructure in Telangana’s public healthcare system, where many buildings date back several decades.

Next steps

The hospital administration has promised a full structural assessment of the affected ward before reopening it. Patients who were housed in the Aarogyasri ward have been relocated to other sections of the hospital. Local health officials are expected to review the condition of other old buildings on the campus in the coming days.

Source: Times of India – Hyderabad
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/ceiling-collapse-at-mgm-hospital-injures-three/articleshow/134373724.cms