Old City's Pathergatti Veterinary Hospital Seeks Upgrade as Caseload Rises

The Government Veterinary Hospital Pathergatti, located at Chandrayangutta in Hyderabad's Old City, is seeking an infrastructure upgrade as inadequate diagnostic facilities, medicine shortages, and limited laboratory capacity hinder its ability to treat a growing caseload.

The hospital, established during the Nizam era to provide medical care to animals associated with the royal establishment, is currently the only major government veterinary facility serving the Old City. The hospital handles around 150 animals daily, including pet dogs, cats, goats, pigeons, and cattle.

The facility draws patients from several surrounding areas, including Edi Bazaar, Rein Bazaar, Shaheennagar, Ghousenagar, Kishan Bagh, Misrigunj, and Hafeez Babanagar. However, the absence of an X-ray unit and limitations in laboratory testing have created significant hurdles for animal owners seeking comprehensive medical attention.

Local residents noted that while medical consultations are provided free of cost, transport expenses and the lack of essential medicines add to their burden. Shakeel Ahmed, a businessman from Edi Bazaar, said that transporting animals to the hospital costs money and that alternate arrangements should be made when medicines and diagnostic equipment are unavailable.

Ramesh Kumar, an Old City resident, emphasized that the hospital is a critical resource for families unable to afford expensive private veterinary clinics. He noted that basic emergency and diagnostic facilities should be made available at the government-run center.

Hospital Superintendent Abdul Majeed stated that proposals have been formally submitted to the government to upgrade the premises into a specialty hospital. He noted that critical cases are currently referred to the Speciality Hospital at Narayanaguda or the Veterinary Sciences College and Hospital at Rajendranagar, and that an upgrade would allow patients to receive advanced care locally.

Local residents have also urged the government to establish veterinary dispensaries in Chandulal Baradari, Edi Bazaar, and Pathergatti to provide basic healthcare closer to residential areas and reduce the daily pressure on the main hospital.