If everything goes as per the Department of Medical Education’s plans, the heritage buildings of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI), its hospitals – K.R. Hospital and Cheluvamba Hospital – and also the PKTB Sanatorium will be getting a makeover soon.
The grandiose renovation plan, estimated to cost Rs. 250 crore, will be submitted to the government for allocation in the State Budget. The buildings housing K.R. Hospital, a 1,400-bed general hospital, and Cheluvamba Hospital, a 400-bed healthcare facility for women and children, had been declared heritage structures that cannot be demolished or altered, modifying the original architecture. However, some of the buildings are in need of immediate attention.
MMCRI dean and director B. Krishnamurthy told The Hindu that there are over 12 buildings in the campus where K.R. and Cheluvamba hospitals are located. Both hospitals happen to be among the oldest medical institutions in the State. “We have proposed to strengthen the buildings for the future as we cannot build new structures in the campus due to lack of space. As the buildings were built using lime mortar, they need to be re-plastered and given stability to ensure that they stay strong in the years ahead,” he said.
As per the master plan, Rs. 150 crore had been sought for building the superspecialty hospital on campus. “Another proposal being submitted now for inclusion in the coming budget is Rs. 250 crore for the facelift of hospitals,” Dr. Krishnamurthy said. The work on renovating the council hall of MMCRI campus is already under way. This work had been taken up keeping the original architecture intact, he said, adding that the pillars are being reinforced.
Dr. Krishnamurthy said the agency that bagged the contract for renovating the century-old Lansdowne building here, had estimated that Rs. 250 crore would be required for the renovation of the hospital buildings.
A few months ago, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had inspected the State-run hospitals and spent time visiting various departments and the blood bank, besides talking to patients and doctors. His visit had raised hopes on the much-needed expansion of the hospitals, which are the lifeline for the people of not just Mysuru but also surrounding districts.
The MMCRI had earlier proposed expansion of both the hospitals and establishment of new facilities at a cost of Rs. 350 crore.
