Telangana HC Issues Notices over relocation of Osmania General Hospital
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has issued notices to the State’s Home Department, Medical Health
& Family Welfare Department, Hyderabad District Collector, and other
officials regarding the proposed relocation of Osmania General Hospital (OGH)
to Goshamahal Police Stadium.
Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy
issued the directive on Tuesday while hearing a writ petition filed by
Munukuntla Anand Goud. The petitioner challenged the decision to shift the
hospital, arguing that it would cause hardship to residents in the Goshamahal
area and expose them to environmental hazards. OGH superintendent and Director
of Kaloji Narayan Rao University were also mentioned as respondents in the case,
reports Telangana Today.
During the proceedings,
the judge questioned the inclusion of Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth
Reddy as a respondent in the petition and directed the High Court registry to
remove his name. The court emphasized the need for careful consideration before
naming individuals in legal proceedings. Justice Vijaysen Reddy
further sought clarification from the State counsel on whether the new site was
fully equipped to accommodate the hospital’s operations. The judge also
inquired about the reason behind the shifting, reports the Daily.
In response, Advocate
General (AG) A. Sudarshan Reddy stated that the relocation was due to the
deteriorating condition of the current hospital building, which is no longer
suitable for continued operations. He asserted that the move was essential to
ensure better medical facilities and improved healthcare services for the
public. The judge concurred with this rationale and mentioned the relocation of
the High Court as a precedent for shifting institutions to enhance
functionality.
The court also noted that
proceedings regarding the heritage status of the existing OGH building were
pending before a division bench. Since the division bench had recently granted
additional time for a detailed response on the matter at the request of the AG,
Justice Vijaysen Reddy deemed it inappropriate to address the matter in the
current hearing. The case has been
adjourned to February 18, when the Advocate General is expected to provide
further arguments on the reasons for relocation and the suitability of the
proposed site.
