Hyderabad: Historic Charminar Dawakhana seriously ill, needs immediate attention

Hyderabad: Government Nizamia General Hospital also known as Charminar Dawakhana and Nizamia Tibbi College is in a dilapidated state.

People fear heavy rains may lead to the collapse of the hospital. This is proving to be hard for all the patients as they are being shifted to different rooms.

Shifa Khana Unani Charminar is now treating around 50 patients including mothers and those awaiting delivery. The recent heavy rain has exacerbated the problem, causing the roof to leak and forcing officials to shift patients to different rooms.

Nizamia Medical College students and clinicians working at the hospital are suffering serious challenges as a result.

"Previously, we had 12 to 1400 outpatients and at least 100 inpatients every day. Currently, only 300 to 400 people visit the hospital each day, with 12 to 15 admitted based on bed occupancy. There is no admission for pediatric patients," stated Dr. Syed Zainullabeddin Khan, General Secretary of the Govt Nizamia Tibbi College Old Boys Association.

The hospital's wards are inundated with water leaking from the roof. The government is turning a blind eye even though the medical institution is not only Asia's largest Greek dispensary but also a significant medical facility in the country.

Due to the state government's ongoing neglect in refurbishing this structure, the Health Department and AYUSH have now transferred patients undergoing treatment at Shifa Khana Unani to classrooms and other student areas, demonstrating a frightening degree of irresponsibility.

"The hospital lacks specialists in modern medicine, such as dental surgeons, gynecologists, and ophthalmologists. No new admissions for female patients, and old patients are being relocated to other classrooms intended for students," Dr. Khan stated.

The state administration has periodically declared rehabilitation plans for Shifa Khana Unani Charminar during the last nine years, but no work has been achieved. The surface treatment using lime-like paint on the soil has not addressed the underlying structural difficulties, resulting in the current scenario in which rainfall is pouring through the hospital's roof, endangering patients in the migratory wards.

"Even after multiple complaints, the commissioner failed to provide a satisfactory statement or assurance, instead stating that repairs would be completed only after the rainy season. This demonstrates a lack of coordination between hospital and college officials," Dr. Khan stated.

The hospital, also known as Charminar Dawakhana, was founded in 1810 and refurbished in 1938 by Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan during the rule of the Asaf Jahi Sultanate. Despite its rich history, the hospital's survival has been jeopardized due to a lack of attention and sufficient maintenance since Telangana's inception. The water leak has also forced the closure of the physiotherapy research, inspection sections, and the roof of the operation theatre.

The new facility built within the hospital complex has also deteriorated. This condition necessitates quick attention and the implementation of appropriate safeguards to maintain the historic structure while also ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, students, and medical personnel.

The Urgent Need for Action

“The newly constructed building has many leaking walls. Water is stagnated in the corridors and pharmacy space is insufficient. Outpatient registration space is insufficient to occupy 400 to 500 patients daily. There is no scarcity of funds. How to spend funds is a challenge as no one wants to bear the responsibility. If someone wants to take control, an internal battle ensues. I simply urge Commissioner, Ayush, Principal Secretary, and the Minister of Health to take prompt action and ensure seamless operation of the departments, particularly gynecology. A lot more needs to be done," Dr. Syed Zainullabeddin Khan said.

Structural Damage Evaluation

The structural stability of the Government Unani Hospital must be assessed immediately. Floodwater may erode the foundation of a building and jeopardize its stability. To establish the degree of the damage and identify locations that require immediate repair, expert structural engineers should undertake extensive inspections.

Keeping Patients Safe

It is critical to evacuate patients from the waterlogged hospital. To facilitate the safe transportation of patients to alternate healthcare institutions, a well-coordinated effort by emergency services, local authorities, and healthcare experts is required. Furthermore, measures must be taken to provide affected people with continuous medical care.

Collaborative Relief Efforts

To address this situation, multiple parties must work together. To give disaster aid, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community volunteers should work together. This involves distributing crucial supplies, clean drinking water, and hygiene packages to flood victims.