The new block of the Government Lady Goschen Hospital, which is being built using funds provided by ONGC-MRPL, will be functional by November, said Deputy Commissioner K.G. Jagadeesha recently.
Mr. Jagadeesha told The Hindu that bids have been invited for taking up pending works of the new block for which the State government has released ₹10 crore.
The work includes external electrification, setting up an operation theatre, high-ventilation air conditioning system and building labour theatre.
Regarding the balance ₹3-crore of works of Rs. 21 crore funds of the ONGC-MRPL, Mr. Jagadeesha said Karnataka Health System Development and Reform Project (KHSDRP) officials have asked for depositing the same amount to take up the works. As the norms do not allow ONGC-MRPL to deposit money before commencement of the work, a decision was taken to deposit Rs. 1 crore from the user fees of the Lady Goschen hospital to the KHSDRP for commencing the work.
Mr. Jagadeesha said all works necessary to make the new block functional have been taken up. “The works are likely to be completed by July. We are keeping a few months for exigency. The new block will be fully functional in November first week,” he said.
The completion of building of the new block of this busy maternity government hospital in the district has been dogged by delay. The work started in 2011 by bringing down a portion of the hospital. Among the deadlines that have passed included the March 23 fixed by the Health Minister Ramesh Kumar.
On the question of not completing the works by March 23, Mr. Jagadeesha said the Minister has been updated of the reasons that led to the delay. “He is convinced of the reasons we put forth,” he said.
