Rising maternal mortality rates at the Ballari district hospital have driven many pregnant women to seek care at Gangavathi’s 60-bed government sub-divisional hospital. The situation at Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) has created widespread apprehension about government hospitals in Ballari, particularly among expectant mothers. With private healthcare remaining unaffordable for most, Gangavathi’s hospital has emerged as a reliable and accessible option for safe childbirth.
Last year, the hospital successfully managed 4,790 normal deliveries and 1,000 cesarean sections without any maternal deaths, earning widespread trust. Women now travel not only from Ballari but also from neighboring districts like Raichur, Bagalkot, and Vijayanagara to give birth at the facility. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ishwar Savadi observed, “The number of women choosing our hospital for deliveries is steadily increasing. This confidence comes from our safety record and consistent outcomes.”
District Health Officer Dr. Lingaraj T described the Gangavathi Hospital as the safest choice for deliveries, citing its excellent services and infrastructure. In October alone, the facility handled 511 deliveries, matching the numbers seen at larger medical college hospitals. A proposal has been submitted to the government for additional staff, including an anaesthesiologist and a gynecologist, to meet the growing demand.
The hospital’s commitment to quality care has earned it the national ‘Kayakalpa’ award for best medical center three times—in 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2022-23. Dr. Savadi attributed the hospital’s reputation to the competence and dedication of its staff, adding, “We have proven that government hospitals can provide exceptional care. Our model can inspire other facilities to build trust and ensure patients feel safe seeking care.”