Pregnant women in corridors, waiting areas should not be construed as overcrowding: Niloufer superintendent

In response to a The Hindu report alleging overcrowding and inadequate sanitation at the government-run Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad, the hospital's superintendent clarified the situation. The institution operates as a tertiary care referral center, focusing on high-risk pregnancies. Consequently, the presence of pregnant women in corridors and waiting areas should not be perceived as overcrowding, according to the superintendent.

He explained that women in the early stages of labor, often requiring up to 12 hours to deliver, are advised by the on-duty medical team to walk in the verandah while being constantly monitored. This arrangement may create the impression of overcrowding among visitors. The hospital features a High Dependency Unit (HDU), Maternal Intensive Care Unit (MICU), and labor room on the same floor.

In addition to routine antenatal check-ups, the hospital sees a significant number of pregnant women in critical condition, referred for specialized obstetric and gynecological care. This includes treatment for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and severe anemia.