GGH service block construction gains momentum in Guntur

Guntur: In a major relief to patient attendants, construction of the long-pending service block at Govt General Hospital (GGH) in the city has finally gathered pace. The facility is designed to provide shelter and basic amenities to attendants arriving from across Andhra Pradesh.GGH, one of the state's largest public healthcare institutions, caters to nearly 1,300 in-patients at any given time. With such a heavy load, the number of attendants has been substantial, often leading to overcrowding and lack of proper resting spaces.The proposed service block is being developed as a dedicated support facility to address this issue. Once completed, it will stand as one of the biggest infrastructures within the hospital premises, offering attendants safe and organised spaces instead of makeshift arrangements in corridors and open areas.The project was initially planned during the TDP regime in 2017, with a G+4 structure estimated at ₹10 crore. Work began but stalled after a change in government, despite ₹2.5 crore already spent.Industrialist and BJP leader Tulasi Ramachandra Prabhu later stepped in, pledging ₹10 crore to complete the project. With his personal monitoring, construction has gained momentum.The service block will feature waiting halls, resting areas, laundry, medical store, sanitation facilities, and other essential services. Families from rural areas, who often stay for extended periods, are expected to benefit the most.Currently, attendants are forced to sleep in verandahs, staircases, and outside wards, facing discomfort and hygiene concerns. The new facility is expected to ease congestion inside patient care areas, improve conditions for attendants, and indirectly enhance healthcare delivery by creating a more organised environment.