Osmania General Hospital (OGH) in Hyderabad, which has stood as a symbol of medical progress and healing, now faces an uncertain future as the Telangana government contemplates its demolition. This iconic institution has witnessed remarkable milestones in the history of medicine and served as a testament to Hyderabad’s rich heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The decision to demolish OGH, including its heritage block, has sparked public interest litigations (PIL) seeking to preserve this iconic building. Experts and activists argue that while planning for the future is crucial, preserving the past is equally important. The heritage block holds cultural significance and represents the city’s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OGH’s history is intertwined with medical breakthroughs that have left an indelible mark on the field of medicine. The hospital’s predecessor, Afzal Gunj Hospital, witnessed major milestones like the discovery of malaria by Nobel laureate Sir Ronald Ross and breakthroughs in anesthesia through international chloroform trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hospital’s history is marked by resilience in the face of adversity. It survived catastrophic floods caused by unprecedented rainfall, and a tamarind tree near the hospital saved lives during the Musi River flooding. Hyderabad’s last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, played a pivotal role in modernizing the city’s infrastructure after the bubonic plague hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n