Over 6,000 pregnant women shifted to hospitals ahead of cyclones in A.P.

In Andhra Pradesh, over 6,000 pregnant women have been relocated to hospitals ahead of the approaching cyclones Cyclones Murasu and Arnab, according to the Health and Medical Department. The department identified women nearing their expected delivery dates and moved them to nearby facilities to avoid transportation challenges during the cyclones. Of the 6,166 pregnant women shifted, 2,924 (47.42%) have already delivered.

In the districts affected by Cyclone Murasu, 3,066 pregnant women were moved to hospitals, with 1,705 (55.61%) delivering. Chittoor, Nellore, and East Godavari recorded the highest number of deliveries. In the 20 districts impacted by Cyclone Arnab, 3,100 pregnant women were relocated, with 1,219 (39.32%) giving birth.

High-risk pregnancies, women with severe anaemia, and those expecting twins received special attention and were shifted under medical supervision to nearby healthcare facilities. The department deployed 108 ambulances, Thalli Bidda Express vehicles, and private vehicles to ensure the safe transportation of pregnant women.

Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu reported that medical officers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) coordinated the identification and relocation of pregnant women. One normal delivery was conducted at the Marripudi Primary Health Centre in Prakasam district on November 4, where a healthy baby girl weighing 2.5 kg was born.