Transforming Lives: How Chennai’s Esteemed Government Healthcare Institution Has Empowered Pregnant Women for 145 Years
In the heart of Royapuram lies the renowned Government Raja Sir Ramaswamy Mudaliar (RSRM) Lying-in Hospital, an essential healthcare institution celebrating 145 years of service. As one of Chennai’s three major government maternity hospitals, RSRM caters to expectant mothers from five northern Chennai zones: Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet, and Royapuram. Its reputation extends beyond city limits, attracting critically ill patients from some areas in Andhra Pradesh, as well as migrant workers seeking maternal care.
Daily, the hospital sees an influx of around 350 pregnant women in its outpatient department, with 75 to 100 admissions. Superintendent Shanthi K. Elango revealed that the staff conducts 30 to 40 deliveries each day, culminating in an impressive monthly total of 800 to 900 births. Notably, cesarean sections account for 25% to 30% of these deliveries, reflecting the hospital’s expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies.
The facility recently showcased its critical care capacity with the successful treatment of a 29-year-old IVF patient who presented with abdominal pain. After a history of two prior surgeries for fibroids, she was admitted in shock with a ruptured uterus. Medical staff performed an emergency hysterectomy and administered 13 units of blood products. Thanks to swift action, her health improved, and she was discharged shortly after.
In another striking case, doctors treated a six-month-pregnant woman diagnosed with malaria after presenting with flu-like symptoms. Suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome, she required ventilatory support for three days but responded well to treatment and was soon back on her feet.
As the demand for maternal healthcare rises, RSRM Hospital is undergoing significant infrastructural expansion. The current capacity of 510 beds will increase to over 800 with the construction of a new Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care facility, adding an additional 300 beds. This expansion demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare in the region.
The hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology department is comprised of a dedicated team, including six professors, one associate professor, and 12 assistant professors. Dr. Shanthi Elango, a seasoned expert with nearly 25 years at RSRM, emphasizes the dual nature of her role: the emotional reward of witnessing new life contrasted with the heavy responsibility of ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. “While the moment a baby is delivered brings joy to the family, for us as doctors, it’s about making timely decisions to save lives,” she remarked.
As RSRM Hospital continues to evolve, its unwavering focus on providing exceptional care for mothers and newborns remains at the forefront of its mission. With an expanding capacity and highly skilled healthcare professionals, the hospital stands ready to meet the growing needs of the community it serves.
Health tags: Maternity Care, High-Risk Pregnancy, Chennai Healthcare, Maternal Health, Emergency Obstetrics.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/in-chennai-this-government-healthcare-institution-has-been-serving-pregnant-women-for-145-years/article69669204.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-06-09 11:35:00
