Hyderabad’s Nizamia Tibbi Hospital continues to deteriorate.

The Nizamia Tibbi Hospital in Hyderabad continues to languish in disrepair despite funds being sanctioned for its renovation several months ago. Post-graduate students at the hospital have voiced concerns over the deteriorating infrastructure, which poses serious risks to both staff and patients. A video circulating on social media recently showed parts of the false ceiling in the maternity ward collapsed and lying on the floor, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The issues have reportedly persisted since November 2024. Speaking to Siasat.com, Dr. Afiya Ahmed recounted a recent incident: “A few days ago, I was brushing my teeth at the common sink when a piece of plaster fell from the roof and bruised my shoulder.”

A pregnant woman, who requested anonymity, shared her experience upon visiting the hospital on Thursday. “As I was entering the ward, a section of the ceiling fell right in front of me. Thank God it didn’t hit me,” she said.

Concerns regarding hygiene and infrastructure extend beyond the hospital premises to the hostel accommodations. Dr. Juveriya Saud* expressed frustration over the slow progress of repairs and recounted a recent mishap. “The hospital is in dire need of repairs, and progress is incredibly slow. A while ago, I suffered an electric shock in my dorm. Such incidents are frequent and pose a major safety risk,” she said.

Dr. Naziya Siddiqui* further highlighted issues related to hostel hygiene, revealing that dorms are infested with fungus. According to her, hospital authorities have dismissed students' concerns. “When we raised these issues, the authorities simply responded, 'Aisa toh patients ke saath bhi ho raha hai (Similar incidents are happening with patients), yet they don’t complain, so why are you?),” shared Dr. Humera*.

Despite these pressing concerns, a hospital official downplayed the situation, stating, “There is no major issue at any of the wards or hostels. Rs 82 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the hospital, and a tender has been released for the restoration of wards. It will take some time for the work to commence.” The official also mentioned that the management has yet to finalize a new location for the girls' hostel.

In September 2024, Rs 82 crore was allocated for the hospital's renovation, an increase from the initial budget of Rs 52 crore after a representation to the Telangana government. However, five months later, the hospital's condition continues to deteriorate.

Students have expressed concerns over the prolonged delays in restoration efforts. The Nizamia Tibbi Hospital, also known as the Unani Hospital, was established in the 1920s during the reign of Osman Ali Khan, Hyderabad's last Nizam. Built as part of the modernization efforts following the 1908 Musi river floods, the hospital features Indo-Saracenic architecture and was designed by Jerome Vincent Esch, the architect behind the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.