Assuring the speedy completion of the new wing of the Government Lady Goschen Hospital in the city, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas M. Veerappa Moily said on Sunday that the construction would begin in full swing in February and will be completed within two years.
During an inspection of the hospital, Mr. Moily said that the Rs. 21-crore project, with a capacity of 250 beds, would be sponsored by ONGC-MRPL (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation – Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited). He said the hospital could be expanded to 500 beds, and additional funds, if required, could be solicited from other oil and petroleum companies with units in the district.
With a built-up area of 1.35 lakh square feet, the new wing would have four Operation Theatres, said Mr. Moily. “The project is being completed in two phases, and at least one of the phases will be ready in two years. Care will be taken so that there is no inconvenience to the patients in other wards of the hospital,” he said.
Elaborating on the construction of the five-storeyed building, the Minister said a pre-bidding meeting would be held on January 16, followed by the start of the tender process on January 28. The tentative date for the foundation stone laying ceremony was February 9 and Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar was likely to participate in it, said Mr. Moily. Commenting on the deteriorating infrastructure of the 164-year-old hospital, the Minister said it was necessary to construct more restrooms for men and enlarge the parking space.
