Kurnool GGH’s SP Savitri Bai: 27 years of service rooted in compassion

Kurnool: Dedication and compassion have defined SP Savitri Bai’s nearly three-decade career at Government General Hospital, Kurnool. A tribal woman, she now serves as Grade-I Nursing Superintendent — one of the senior-most nursing administrators in the hospital.

She joined Kurnool GGH as a staff nurse in 1998. Through consistent, patient-centric work, she rose to Head Nurse in 2010, Grade-II Nursing Superintendent in 2020, and Grade-I Superintendent later. Her clinical skills earned her the respect of doctors and colleagues.

Recognition marked every stage of her service. She was named Best Nurse, Best Head Nurse, Best Nursing Superintendent Grade-II, and twice as Best Nursing Superintendent in her current cadre. During COVID-19, her leadership on the wards won her the Best Service Award.

Beyond administration, Savitri Bai is known as a mentor. She trains ANMs, MPHWs and nursing students at Kurnool GGH and Medical College, especially in conducting deliveries with practical, compassionate care.

Former trainee Maheswari, now with a private hospital, said: “Madam’s training gave me strong clinical skills and confidence. The foundation she built helped me earn a good salary today.” MPHW Haritha added: “She taught us nursing is not a job, but a responsibility towards humanity.”

Outside the hospital, she leads plantation drives, free medical camps, and distributes fruits, bedsheets and essentials to patients. She also runs awareness sessions on hygiene, nutrition and disease prevention.“Every patient should be treated like family. Nursing is God’s service and compassion is its foundation,” she told TNIE.

Her path wasn’t easy. Her father died when she was in Class 9, but her mother ensured she continued studies. Unable to afford MBBS, she completed GNM and joined as staff nurse in 1998. With husband Ramanji Naik’s support, she later did Post B.Sc Nursing, PG, and an MSc in Psychology to better address patients’ emotional needs.