Synopsis
Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad has initiated a new phase with the laying of the foundation stone for a modern facility, addressing long-standing healthcare demands. This development promises to enhance public health services significantly.Key Takeaways
- Foundation stone laid for a new Osmania Hospital building.
- The facility will feature 2,000 beds and advanced medical technology.
- Aim to boost public healthcare services in Telangana.
- New building designed for next 100 years of healthcare needs.
- Preservation of the existing structure as a heritage site.
Hyderabad, Jan 31 (NationPress) The historic Osmania General Hospital, which has been serving the community for over a century, has embarked on a significant new chapter by laying the foundation stone for its upcoming building on Friday.
Telangana's Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy initiated the groundwork for a 2,000-bedded facility that will span 32 lakh square feet, located on a 26-acre site at Goshamahal, approximately three kilometers from the current Osmania Hospital structure near the Musi River.
During the ceremony held at Goshamahal Police Stadium, he performed a Bhoomi Puja in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, along with various top officials.
The Chief Minister reviewed the architectural designs for the new facility, projected to cost ₹2,700 crore, fulfilling a long-standing need expressed by both the public and hospital staff.
The current Osmania Hospital building is in a dilapidated state, with calls for a new construction having persisted for years.
The Chief Minister assured that this new establishment would be world-class and would significantly enhance public healthcare services across Hyderabad and Telangana.
Health Minister Narasimha characterized this moment as historic, noting that the new building addresses a demand that has existed for three decades. He emphasized that Osmania Hospital is among the most renowned hospitals in the nation.
The planning for the new facility was completed in merely six months, with the government aiming for its full construction to conclude within two years.
This new complex is designed with a vision for the next century, anticipating a 20 percent increase in the number of doctors upon its completion.
The scientifically crafted building will feature 29 major and 12 minor operation theatres, equipped for robotic surgeries and a dedicated transplant theatre.
The Medical Education and Training division will see expansion, encompassing 30 departments, including eight new super-specialty disciplines. Additionally, a new academic block will accommodate nursing, dental, and physiotherapy colleges.
The Congress government highlighted that after a decade of neglect, the Telangana administration is making a substantial investment in public health.
The design of the new hospital includes specific provisions for a power substation, fire station, as well as bio and non-bio waste management, including STP.
The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that utmost importance has been placed on creating a super-modern hospital that prioritizes the comfort and needs of patients, their families, and visitors.
Established in response to the Musi floods of 1908, Osmania Hospital was constructed under the guidance of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad State, bearing his name.
Designed by British architect Vincent Jerome Esch and Nawab Khan Bahadur Mirza Akbar Baig in the Indo-Sarcenic style, it was completed in 1919. Heritage experts assert that the domes of Osmania Hospital contribute significantly to the charm of Hyderabad.
Osmania Hospital has hosted numerous notable medical conferences and research initiatives throughout the years.
Daily, it served over 3,000 outpatients and 1,200 inpatients, with staff performing between 100 to 150 major surgeries and many minor procedures each day, catering to patients from various parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and neighboring Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The current facility, covering 7.5 lakh square feet, has proven inadequate for the increasing demands of the population. Attempts to demolish the existing structure and construct a new complex faced significant opposition from heritage advocates and concerned citizens.
Given the legal challenges that have persisted since 2015, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy decided to preserve the existing building as a heritage site while constructing a new complex at a different location to fulfill the healthcare needs of the community.
