The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken a significant step towards bolstering medical infrastructure at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) in Tirupati. On Wednesday, TTD Chairman B R Naidu officially opened a new Central Medical Godown and expanded accommodation facilities for the attendants of patients.
New Central Hub for Medical Supplies
The newly inaugurated Central Medical Godown is a three-storey structure built with an investment of ₹10.65 crore. Spanning a total area of 37,000 square feet, this facility is designed to streamline the storage and distribution of essential medical items.
Chairman Naidu explained that the godown will house several critical units, including dedicated medical and general stores, cold storage for temperature-sensitive supplies, administrative offices, and a conference hall. This centralized system is expected to lead to better management and efficiency in handling the institute's medical inventory, ensuring supplies are readily available when needed.
Enhanced Support for Patient Attendants
Recognizing the hardship faced by those who accompany patients, the TTD has also completed a major expansion of the patient attendants' rest house. By adding second and third floors to the existing structure at a cost of ₹4.40 crore, the facility can now accommodate approximately 300 attendants.
To ease their burden, the TTD is providing free food and accommodation at this facility. The building is also equipped with essential amenities like toilets and lifts, offering a dignified and comfortable stay for families during difficult times.
Future Plans for SVIMS Development
During the inauguration, the TTD chief provided updates on ongoing and future projects. Renovation work is currently in progress at the main SVIMS building. A key outcome of this will be the establishment of a Central Laboratory system, which will consolidate all laboratory services under one roof upon completion.
SVIMS Director Dr RV Kumar highlighted the institute's phased development. He noted that hostel buildings with 150 rooms for university students were inaugurated last year. The newly opened medical godown and attendant facilities mark the completion of the second phase.
Looking ahead, Dr Kumar outlined ambitious plans being developed with TTD's support. These include:
- Construction of staff quarters.
- Establishment of a central kitchen.
- Adding 350 more beds to increase capacity.
- Building five new operation theatres and five new ICUs.
- Developing an advanced cancer care centre building.
The inauguration event was attended by TTD Board members Sadasiva Rao, Santharam, and Naresh Kumar, along with Joint Executive Officer V Veerabrahmam, BIRRD director Dr G Jagadeesh, chief engineer TV Satyanarayana, and other officials.
