Women's healthcare services are expanding in Americus

AMERICUS, GA (WALB) - Women's healthcare services are expanding in Sumter County.

Earlier this month, Southwest Georgia Healthcare opened a new OBGYN office.

Before the first office opened, women in Americus and the surrounding areas were having to travel to either Albany or Columbus to receive certain services, like prenatal care.

"That's not something that is good for the patients, or the women, or the family to travel just for prenatal care or delivering their newborn…" Dr. Ajay Gehlot chief executive officer of Southwest Georgia Healthcare said.

According to Dr. Gehlot, they wanted to make these services available to the community. So, Southwest Georgia Healthcare opened an OBYGN office, but quickly ran out of room.

In order to service more women, they needed to open a bigger facility. And thanks to the help of Peach State Health Plan, Southwest Georgia Healthcare was able to build a new 7,500 sq. ft. building.

"When a woman walks in here, she doesn't have to go anywhere. We do all of the tests, the labs, the ultrasounds," Dr. Gehlot said.

The new facility includes 16 exam rooms, 2 procedure rooms, 2 ultrasound rooms, and 5 offices.

Dr. Gehlot told WALB News 10 that the building is made up of pods and each pod includes a doctor's office, 2 exam rooms, and a nurse's station.

The layout makes it easier for the staff and patients to move throughout the facility. It also helps with a patient's wait time.

"When we go to a doctor's office, we don't want to be sitting there for 1 or 2 hours before we are called in. Here, within 5 to 10 minutes, they're in…once they're finished, they're out," Dr. Gehlot added.

Since the new building opened, the staff has seen a 10% increase in patient volume.

The new Americus OBGYN facility is located at 603 East Lamar Street.

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