New Osmania Hospital foundation ceremony faces protests, police action in Goshamahal

Hyderabad: The Goshamahal Parirakshana Samiti called for a bandh on Friday, January 31, 2025, in protest against the construction of the new Osmania Hospital in Goshamahal. Local residents are voicing concerns about the project, and a large police presence was deployed in the area after threats emerged to prevent Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy from attending the foundation-laying ceremony.

In a move to avoid potential unrest, police placed Purushottam, president of the Goshamahal Parirakshana Samiti, under house arrest. BJP MLA Raja Singh has also expressed opposition, calling for a reconsideration of the hospital's location.

He warned that construction on the Goshamahal grounds might increase disease risk in the area and urged the Chief Minister to consult locals before proceeding.

The relocation of Osmania General Hospital (OGH) was promised in 2015 by then-Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. The new hospital is set to be constructed on a 32 lakh square feet area in Goshamahal, in line with National Medical Commission (NMC) and Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms.

The facility will feature 2,000 beds, 30 medical departments, including eight super-specialty disciplines, and a 750-seat auditorium for medical conferences. The hospital will also include 29 major and 12 minor operation theaters, robotic surgery capabilities, and a dedicated transplant theater.

In addition, advanced systems for laundry, waste management, and sewage treatment will be incorporated. The design of the new building includes separate provisions for a power substation, fire station, and waste management infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) standing committee has proposed a road development plan to accommodate the new hospital, which involves widening roads by 30 meters from MJ Market to Bhoolaxmi Temple, affecting 218 properties along the route.

Osmania General Hospital, founded in 1866 as Afzalgunj Hospital, which was built during the reign of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, in 1925. The hospital, in Indo-Saracenic style, holds significant heritage value and is listed as a heritage structure.