Pune's Maternity Centers Face Severe Staff Shortage, Endangering Pregnant Women

Pune: Pune’s maternity centers are facing a growing crisis despite ongoing efforts to address critical gaps in their services. A 2023 gap analysis by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) revealed several critical issues, such as a shortage of specialist doctors, the absence of blood banks, a lack of ICU units, and an inability to manage complicated cases.

Despite efforts to tackle these challenges, the shortage of qualified medical staff continues to be a pressing concern.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in response to a pressing shortage of healthcare experts in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) run healthcare facilities, three ward medical officers (WMO) were transferred to maternity homes on Saturday. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been suffering from a shortage of expert doctors and staff. This lack of specialized doctors eventually caused inconvenience to citizens and patients.

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According to the news reports, PMC operates 21 maternity centres across the city, but a recent investigation has uncovered troubling gaps in the infrastructure and staffing. Of these 21 centres, two do not have operating theatres, which are essential for performing C-sections in case of emergencies. The remaining 19 centres, which do have operating theatres, are managed by just eight gynecologists.

In some cases, women in need of a C-section are rushed to hospitals that have the necessary medical staff, often at the last minute, which can delay crucial medical procedures.

These gynecologists are primarily stationed at Kamala Nehru Hospital, Sonawane Hospital, and Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, where the majority of deliveries take place. Despite the inauguration of a medical college alongside Kamala Nehru Hospital in 2022, the situation remains dire. Dr. Lata Trimbake, the medical superintendent of all the maternity centres, stated that despite having the college, resident doctors, and more manpower have not been secured.

The staff shortage has reached critical levels, with only six anesthetists available to cover all 19 maternity centers. This limited number means that only a few facilities are capable of performing C-sections or providing the level of care needed for high-risk pregnancies.

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The shortage of skilled medical staff and the lack of proper infrastructure pose serious risks to pregnant women, especially those with complicated pregnancies. Officials mentioned that patients admitted to smaller centers are often instructed to either go directly to Kamala Nehru Hospital or are referred to Sassoon Hospital.