Telangana Governor makes surprise visit to Osmania Hospital, asks Govt for new building

Hyderabad: Governor of Telangana Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan made a surprise visit to Osmania General Hospital (OGH) on Monday afternoon. During her visit, she visited all the hospital wards and engaged in discussions with both the patients and the doctors and para-medical staff.

Expressing her satisfaction with the treatment provided despite various limitations, she commended the doctors and staff for their efforts.

The governor voiced her concern regarding the quality of facilities and limited space. She mentioned that she has raised these concerns with the chief minister and the health department on multiple occasions.

Dr Soundararajan further shared that her first meeting upon assuming office as the Governor of Telangana was with a delegation from OGH. Since then, she has made regular appeals on the improvisation of the hospital and communicated with the state government.

The governor has received numerous appeals from both OGH medical students and the general public regarding the horrible condition of Osmania General Hospital. She also highlighted that the issue was raised during a recent OGH alumni meeting. Notably, the High Court has cleared the case, and she expressed appreciation for this decision.

Dr Soundararajan urged the state government to make alternative arrangements before any further legal hurdles arise.

Emphasising that the well-being of poor patients should be the government’s highest priority, she acknowledged the exemplary work being done by the doctors despite the existing limitations. She specifically mentioned the unhygienic conditions of the hospital toilets, washrooms, the ceiling in the old building and inadequate ventilation.

During her visit, the governor observed the post-operative ward and general ward, both of which she described as not being in good condition.

Dr Soundararajan clarified that her intention was not to engage in a blame game, but rather to ensure that the poor and the needy patients receive the best possible treatment facilities. As a resident of the state, she urged the government to improve hospital infrastructure and treatment facilities.

She emphasised her perspective as a doctor and reiterated that the well-being of patients will always be her top concern.

She stated that she wants the government to take immediate action in constructing a new building with 3,000 beds. In case any legal obstacles arise due to the heritage building, she requested that alternative arrangements be made promptly.

JUDA meet health minister

Meanwhile, in another development, members of Osmania Medical College (OMC) Junior Doctors’ Association (JUDA) met the state health minister T Harish Rao at the secretariat on Monday.

JUDA members informed that the minister is going to have a meeting with local representatives (MLAs and MPs) and he is going to submit the final affidavit, which the court has asked for within the next seven days. He expects the court to deliver the verdict within two weeks and assured that immediately after the verdict, he will issue a Government Order (GO) for construction of a new OGH building. For the time being, Juda members have decided to withhold both rally and peaceful protests for one week and observe the developments.