Serving tribal population, five government hospitals in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district secure Kayakalp awards

Serving predominantly tribal populations, five government hospitals in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district have secured six Kayakalp awards for 2025-26, with staff efforts to improve hygiene, infection control and patient care earning recognition despite infrastructure constraints in some facilities.

The five participating hospitals achieved a 100% success rate, securing a total prize money of ₹10 lakh. The achievement is significant as some of the hospitals continue to function from old buildings while new infrastructure is under development.

The Community Health Centre (CHC) at Palvancha secured the State-Level Eco-Friendly Award carrying ₹5 lakh, along with a Commendation Award. The Area Hospitals at Bhadrachalam, Manuguru, Yellandu and Aswaraopeta each received a Commendation Award.

Manuguru and Aswaraopeta hospitals secured recognition in their first attempt at the Kayakalp assessment. While Bhadrachalam and Palvancha were among the hospitals expected to secure recognition in previous years, coordinated efforts helped extend the achievement to Yellandu, Manuguru and Aswaraopeta as well, said District Coordinator of Hospital Services (DCHS) Dr. G. Ravi Babu.

Instituted by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2015, the Kayakalp Awards aim to promote cleanliness, hygiene and infection control in public healthcare facilities. Hospitals are assessed on parameters including sanitation, biomedical waste management, infection prevention, environmental sustainability and patient-friendly services.

Former Collector Jithesh V. Patil, present Collector Ankit and ITDA Project Officer B. Rahul extended support towards these efforts. “This recognition demonstrates that infrastructure challenges need not deter quality improvement when staff work with dedication, discipline and a shared commitment to patient care,” Dr. Ravi Babu said.