CSR Bid Seeks Major Upgrade for Vijayawada GGH

22 Dec 2025 CW Team

Vijayawada Government General Hospital (GGH) in NTR district is set for a significant upgrade in medical infrastructure following an initiative by Kesineni Sivanath. Advanced medical equipment for key departments, including cardiology, ophthalmology and radiology, is expected to be provided in the near term.

On Wednesday, the MP met Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi and submitted a detailed proposal seeking financial support through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. He requested an allocation of Rs 28 million from public sector undertakings under the Petroleum Ministry, including ONGC, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Gas Authority of India Limited and Oil India Limited.

Explaining the need for the proposal, the MP said Vijayawada GGH serves not only rural areas of NTR district but also economically weaker sections, and has seen a steady rise in patient volumes. The proposal outlines the procurement of advanced equipment for the cardiology department, including a treadmill test machine, 2D echo system, pacemaker pulse generator for bedside TPI procedures, and multi-parameter monitors with IABP support.

For ophthalmology, the plan includes a visual field analyser, optical coherence tomography, a non-contact tonometer and a phacoemulsification machine. The radiology department is expected to receive a 1,000 mA digital radiography X-ray unit.

Kesineni Sivanath said the provision of these devices through the CSR funds of petroleum PSUs would significantly improve treatment quality at Vijayawada GGH, benefiting residents across all seven Assembly constituencies in NTR district. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is understood to have responded positively to the request.

Infrastructure Urban

22 Dec 2025

Study Highlights Freshwater Sponges’ Role in Fighting Metal Pollution

Scientists have identified freshwater sponges and their associated microbial communities as powerful natural allies in tackling toxic metal pollution, offering new hope for sustainable water quality management. A recent study has revealed that these sponges can act both as bioindicators and effective absorbents of harmful metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium.The findings come from a study published in Microbiology Spectrum by researchers from Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The research focused on freshwater spong..

79% of Indian Railways Track now Supports Speeds of 110 Kmph+

Indian Railways has significantly enhanced the speed potential of its track network over the past decade, with 79 per cent of tracks now capable of supporting speeds of 110 kmph and above, compared with just 40 per cent in 2014. The improvement reflects sustained investment in track modernisation and maintenance aimed at faster and safer train operations.According to official data, large-scale upgradation works have been undertaken over the last 11 years to improve track quality and performance. Key measures include the use of heavier 60 kg rails, wider-base concrete sleepers, thick web switch..

Indian Railways Clocks 80% Punctuality Nationwide from Dec 8–14

Indian Railways has reported strong operational performance, achieving an overall punctuality of 80 per cent across the network during the period from December 8 to December 14. The achievement reflects sustained efforts by railway divisions to enhance efficiency and ensure reliable and timely services for passengers and freight users.According to official data, 37 railway divisions recorded punctuality levels exceeding 80 per cent during the review period. Notably, 22 divisions achieved punctuality above 90 per cent, while 10 divisions went a step further by crossing the 95 per cent mark, hig..