BENGALURU
Nearly seven years after construction began, the 10-storey Q-block at Victoria Hospital is set to be inaugurated on May 2, significantly expanding capacity at one of Karnataka’s busiest public healthcare facilities. The new block will add 629 beds to the hospital’s existing strength of around 1,000, offering relief to thousands of patients who depend on the institution daily.
Victoria Hospital currently records an Out Patient Department (OPD) footfall of 700 to 1,000 patients every day. Officials believe the additional infrastructure will ease congestion, reduce waiting time and improve overall patient care. Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said the facility will play a key role in strengthening public healthcare delivery in the city.
The first five floors of the Q-block will house general wards catering to departments such as general surgery, orthopaedics and medicine. The next two floors will accommodate special wards and operation theatres, including a dedicated VVIP section. Two additional floors have been earmarked for a surgical complex equipped with eight operation theatres.
Hospital authorities also plan to develop a helipad on the terrace in the future, further enhancing emergency response capabilities. However, the inclusion of the helipad and other facilities has reduced the originally planned capacity of 1,000 beds in the new building.
In a recent review, the minister directed officials to convert one floor into an intensive care unit (ICU) complex. Authorities are currently assessing how to integrate ICU facilities without affecting other services.
The project has also seen a rise in costs, with the initial estimate of ₹68 crore increasing to ₹90 crore over the years due to delays and additional infrastructure requirements.
Dr S. Deepak, Medical Superintendent of Victoria Hospital, said tenders for procurement of beds and medical equipment have already been floated, and recruitment of nurses, Group D staff and other personnel is underway.
Equipment for two floors has already been delivered, while the remaining installations are in progress. The orthopaedics department is expected to shift from the old block to the new facility once operations begin.