Hyderabad, May 25 (INN): Mahavir Hospital and Research Centre (MHRC) and its managing committee extended their heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao for approving the conversion of the hospital’s leased land to freehold. The land, initially allocated in 1975 under GO No. 1095, was leased for thirty years at a nominal rate of Rs 12/- per year. Now, with the Chief Minister’s support, Mahavir Hospital and Research Centre will obtain the land as a freehold.
The official release of the government order is expected within a week, and progress is rapidly moving forward, according to Mahendra Ranka, Chairman of Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Trust (BMMT), which owns MHRC.
With this positive development, the hospital is now planning expansion projects, including the establishment of a comprehensive Gastroenterology department, revamping the Cardiology department, and modernizing the ICU. The estimated investment for these initiatives is approximately Rs. 6-7 crore.
In response to a media query, the Chairman stated that MHRC may also consider introducing Geriatrics as a medical speciality exclusively dedicated to older adults in the future. However, due to space constraints, the hospital currently has no immediate plans to increase its bed capacity beyond the existing 220 beds.
The entire Managing Committee of Mahavir Hospital and Research Centre, along with the Standing Committee and the Jain Community, expressed gratitude to CM KCR, Health Minister T. Harish Rao and Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav for approving the land conversion. These sentiments were shared during a press conference held at the hospital premises, attended by Mahendra Ranka (Chairman), Sushil Kapadia (Vice Chairman), Sunil Pahade (Managing Trustee), and Sushil Sancheti (Treasurer Trustee).
Established by Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Trust, Mahavir Hospital and Research Centre holds the distinction of being the first charitable hospital in Andhra Pradesh, founded in 1978 with a mission to provide affordable healthcare services to the poor and underprivileged. Over the past 48 years, MHRC has achieved numerous milestones in serving the impoverished community.
The hospital’s Dialysis Centre is renowned nationwide and is the largest in the state, equipped with 63 dialysis machines. Performing 3750 procedures monthly at the highly affordable cost of Rs. 300/- per session, the hospital has become a beacon of hope for those in need.
Notably, Mahavir Hospital received a visit from Bill Clinton, President of the United States of America, in the year 2000, who commended the hospital’s excellent work. Recognized by esteemed institutions such as the World Bank, WHO, and DFID (Department for International Development) of the U.K., MHRC conducts research in Genetics and Immunology and is acknowledged by Osmania University and the University of Hyderabad for awarding PhDs based on research conducted at the centre.
Over the years, the hospital’s lease was extended multiple times, with the most recent extension granted in 2007 under GO No. 230 of the Revenue (Assignment-III) department. However, now, with the compassionate nature of its services and the “Not for Profit” basis on which it operates, Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Trust appeals for the land to be converted to freehold.
The hospital has evolved into a 220-bed facility offering various specialities and dedicated services to the community. Notably, its Dialysis Centre, Urology and Nephrology departments have gained national and international recognition. Moreover, Mahavir Hospital stands as one of the country’s four distinguished centres for tuberculosis research, implementing the National Tuberculosis Control program through the Public Private Mix Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (PPMDOTS).
The trustees proudly mentioned that Mahendra Ranka, Chairman of MHRC, completed thirty years of service to the hospital. During this time, the hospital achieved significant milestones and obtained substantial grants for tuberculosis research from national and international funding agencies. Their research centre has been recognized by the Government of India as a “Center of Excellence for TB Research” in the country.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a 15-bed Critical Care Unit (CCU), a 10-bed Emergency ward, and four modern operation theatres, the hospital is well-equipped to handle critical cases and perform complex surgeries. It has also undertaken clinical trials on tuberculosis vaccines and new drugs.
Additionally, Mahavir Hospital demonstrated its commitment to the community by establishing a dedicated 40-bed Covid ward during the pandemic and providing affordable Covid care throughout both waves of the virus.
During the meeting Chief Minister KCR, the Jain community requested approval for converting Mahavir Hospital and Research Centre’s land to freehold. Past Chairmans of MHRC, Surendermalji Luniya and Motilalji Bhalgat, along with the President of Jain Seva Sangh Yogeshji Singhi, presented the request, which was promptly granted by the Chief Minister. He expressed appreciation for the hospital’s four decades of service to society and its valuable contributions. (INN)
