Handover of the long-awaited Old Hubballi Hospital to the health department remains stalled due to administrative formalities, delaying completion of the crucial healthcare facility
Hubballi
The HDMC’s Old Hubballi Maternity and General Hospital project holds great significance for the residents of Old Hubballi, who are eagerly awaiting this vital healthcare facility. Although the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) general body passed a resolution ten days ago to hand over the hospital to the health department, the process has not yet commenced.
Originally demolished to make way for a modern 100-bed facility, the hospital was designed to substantially improve healthcare services in the region. Yet, delays and financial hurdles have left the community frustrated.
Launched in 2017-18, the project aimed to build a G+3 structure within 18 months with an estimated budget of Rs 14 crore. While Rs 7.5 crore was utilized from partial funding, financial constraints stalled construction. The contractor, who initially advanced personal funds, paused work pending reimbursement, resulting in minimal progress.
Former Mayor Ramanna Badiger formed an all-party corporators’ team to review construction status and recommend the handover. During a general body meeting on August 25, he stated that officials and corporators inspected the site and suggested transferring the hospital to the health department to complete construction and establish the promised facility. MLA Prasad Abbayya noted that he discussed expediting the handover with the HDMC Commissioner. HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali confirmed that approval was granted at a recent general body meeting and said the handover would commence after the Ganesha festival, as officials are presently engaged in festival preparations.