Don’t demolish Osmania General Hospital: Alumni

Hyderabad: Is it a must for the heritage building of Osmania General Hospital to be demolished? Is it not possible to retain the main dome structure by repairing it? These were the questions put forth by former superintendent Dr Gopal Kishan and former director of Health and Medical Education, Dr Satyaranaryan.

Fifteen senior doctors, Old Boys of Osmania Medical College Association, visited the hospital on Monday to ascertain the facts. Dr Kishan said, “The original heritage structure is on two acre of land where the main domes are and we feel that the government must call upon experts and see if this structure can be saved from demolition. Since 1992, there has been demand for conserving the heritage structure. This can be done now and instead of hospital wards, other administrative offices can be housed in the heritage structure.”

The senior doctors requested the state government to call upon experts and opt for conservation of the building first.

Another senior doctor said, “The OGH land is spread over 26 acre. The heritage structure is on 2 acre of land. Let them demolish the three new buildings and make way for the new hospital but save the old structure. When the High Court could be renovated and conserved why not the OGH? We must make the attempt before taking such a huge decision to demolish the building.”

Old students of Osmania Medical College are also discussing the issue and feel that the government must be considerate before taking such a grave step.