Dharwad's Historic Civil Hospital Faces Regulatory Gridlock
The British-era district civil hospital in Dharwad, situated within the historic Fort precinct, is now entangled in a complex web of regulatory and administrative challenges. Its future is critically linked to a proposed relocation to a new campus, as decades of service have brought it to a breaking point due to ageing infrastructure and space limitations.
Heritage Rules Hinder Expansion Efforts
Located in a protected Fort area, the hospital is governed by strict Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) norms. These regulations prohibit major construction within 300 metres of a Centrally Protected Monument, effectively freezing any plans for expansion. Long-pending initiatives to add medical blocks, increase bed capacity, and upgrade the facility into a multi-speciality hospital have been stalled. Compounding these issues, slow funding from the Government of Karnataka has further constrained modernisation efforts, leaving the hospital struggling to meet contemporary healthcare demands.
Operating Beyond Capacity Amidst Constraints
Despite these severe constraints, the hospital continues to serve as a vital healthcare backbone for thousands in Dharwad and neighbouring districts. District surgeon Dr. Sangappa Gabi reported that it handles over 500 outpatients daily and conducts more than two dozen deliveries, primarily catering to rural and economically weaker patients. After the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute in Hubballi, it remains the region's largest public healthcare centre. However, the lack of advanced facilities often forces doctors to refer critical cases to KMC-RI, placing additional strain on that institution.
Narrow and congested approach roads to the Fort frequently delay ambulances, posing significant risks during emergencies. Even a proposed Sewage Treatment Plant faced local resistance, highlighting the near impossibility of any expansion within the current campus. These operational challenges underscore the urgent need for a sustainable solution to ensure continued healthcare access.
Belur Plan Gains Momentum as Viable Alternative
With expansion effectively ruled out, the district administration has actively pushed for shifting the hospital to Belur village. The proposal includes developing a 500-bed, state-of-the-art hospital on 20 acres of government land along PB Road, approximately 11 kilometres from Dharwad. Estimated at Rs 460 crore, the new campus is designed to house advanced diagnostic services, modern wards, and a dedicated cardiology block.
If approved, this project could significantly ease pressure on existing facilities and broaden healthcare access across the region. As the state budget approaches, residents and stakeholders are closely watching for fund allocations, which will ultimately determine whether Dharwad finally secures a modern civil hospital to meet its growing healthcare needs.
