The Telangana government’s decision to demolish the Osmania General Hospital (OGH) building marks a significant step in addressing the hospital’s pressing issues. The formal presentation of the decision in an affidavit to the Telangana High Court on July 27 signals the government’s determination to address the hospital’s unsuitability as a healthcare facility. Alongside the demolition of the existing OGH building, the government also plans to raze other associated satellite structures, making room for a state-of-the-art new hospital building covering an expansive area of 35.76 lakh square feet.
The decision was reached after a crucial meeting attended by prominent figures such as ministers Mahmood Ali and Talsani Srinivas, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, and officials from various departments, including health, GHMC, MA&UD, and R&B, as well as representatives from Osmania General Hospital. The meeting served as a platform to reinforce the government’s position on the matter, and safety concerns were underscored as the primary motivation for demolishing the current building and embarking on the construction of a new one.
In the affidavit presented on behalf of the Health, Medical, and Family Welfare department of Telangana, the inadequacy of the existing Osmania General Hospital building for patient care was prominently highlighted, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive replacement.
Currently, the Hospital operates with a bed capacity of 1100. However, the deteriorated state of the old building has led to a reduction in capacity. Dr. B. Nagendar, the hospital’s superintendent, has pointed out that the hospital requires a total of 1812 beds to effectively manage the current patient load. The decision to demolish OGH was not taken lightly, and it has evoked a mixed response from various quarters.
Several petitions and Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed in response to the decision, with some expressing support for the government’s stance, while others voice opposition. The Deccan Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute has particularly advocated for the renovation of the current structure and the construction of new buildings, as specified in GO 313, issued on November 3, 2010.
On Friday, the government laid to rest the uncertainty surrounding the hospital’s future by unequivocally confirming its definitive decision to demolish the current structure and proceed with the construction of a new and modern hospital building. This move signifies the government’s commitment to providing accessible and advanced healthcare facilities for the citizens of Telangana and stands as a crucial step towards improving the healthcare infrastructure in the region.