Alumni Rally to Save 1904 Bankipur Hospital Amid PMCH Revamp

Patna Medical College & Hospital’s historic General Hospital block is being dismantled, sparking a fresh protest from alumni and heritage activists.

Constructed around 1904 as Bankipur General Hospital, the two‑storey structure features a rare British‑era lift and once housed the Hattwa and Gujri wards on opposite sides of the building.

The hospital’s legacy includes a visit by Mahatma Gandhi in May 1947, a moment that is frequently cited by preservationists who argue that the building is a tangible link to the nation’s pre‑independence medical history.

The PMCH alumni association, along with Gandhi‑leaning groups, submitted multiple petitions to the state, urging that modernization be paired with conservation of the heritage blocks. Their suggestions have so far been rejected as the redevelopment plan moves forward in phases.

The demolition follows the earlier destruction of the Old Boys Hostel, a century‑old dormitory that had already been cleared to make space for new facilities. The overall project, costing roughly ₹5,540 crore, intends to create a modern hospital campus with 5,462 beds over the next seven years.