Telangana HC Issues Notices over relocation of Osmania General Hospital
court order
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.
