Built in 1919 and named after its founder, Mir Osman Ali Khan, it is one of the oldest hospitals in India.
Team Clarion
HYDERABAD — The future of Osmania General Hospital in the city hangs in the balance as Telangana authorities have recommended the demolition of the existing building as it lacks the capacity to sustain operations.
Built in 1919 and named after its founder, Mir Osman Ali Khan, it is one of the oldest hospitals in India.
Recently, the state high court was informed that the government proposes to utilise the Osmania Hospital infrastructure, while an appeal by several petitioners urges preservation of the heritage building.
A committee of experts, appointed by the high court, is tasked with assessing the condition of both Osmania Hospital and the two contemporary buildings — one belonging to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the other under the Archaeological Survey of India. The committee has advocated for the preservation of the heritage building.
The committee, emphasising the significance of the existing Osmania Hospital building, stated that it should be preserved. The state government has recommended the conservation of the building. However, concerns have been raised about the dilapidated condition of the structure, leading to difficulties in expanding the hospital’s capacity.
Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, along with Justice Anil Kumar, opined that although the state government aims to demolish the historic building to construct a teaching college hospital, the required number of beds cannot be accommodated due to the building’s dilapidated condition. Advocate Sudarshan Reddy highlighted the government’s restriction on the existing heritage building and the proposed construction of a new building.
The government, advocating for the preservation of the building, is prepared to construct a new facility. With numerous public interest petitions pending in the high court regarding the protection of the heritage building, the court awaits the committee’s report. The next hearing is scheduled for February 12, where the committee of experts is expected to provide further insight into the fate of Osmania Hospital’s iconic structure.
