Andhra Pradesh - Ongole   

PHC patients scamper to terrace for safety

Special Correspondent

Since there was no staircase they climbed a ladder

ONGOLE: With Munneru water flooding the primary health centre at Ulavapadu, patients had a harrowing time on Friday night.

Tirupathamma (40) from Budda Reddypalem in PC Palli mandal had approached the PHC to get an intestinal obstruction operated upon. Dr. Venkaiah, who received best doctor award at State level, performed the surgery four days ago. But after the torrential rain and heavy discharge from Rallapadu, the PHC was surrounded by six feet water making it difficult for doctors to remove the patients to safety.

As the water level rose menacingly in the ward, the staff and relatives of patients decided to shift them to the terrace. As there was no staircase, Tirupathamma had to climb a ladder to reach the terrace. "We were saved since there was no rain last night," her husband recounted with a shudder.

Thirty year old Rosamma, who underwent hysterectomy three days ago, and Ankamma Rao, who was operated upon for colon carcinoma, had to face the same trauma as Tirupathamma.

District Collector, B. Udaya Lakshmi, who visited the hospital on Saturday, appreciated the hospital staff for standing by the patients in the hour of crisis.

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