Nagpur, India: The Nagpur Nagrik Sahkari Hospital site at Alankar Square on North Ambazari Road, which has been lying vacant for several years, is likely to be auctioned, as per a recent submission by the State Government. The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) had initially proposed constructing a multi-specialty hospital at the site following an order from the Bombay High Court. However, the government has now deemed the project financially unfeasible and suggested handing over the land to a private organisation for development.

The Urban Development Department’s Joint Secretary has submitted an affidavit to the High Court, recommending that NIT transfer the land through an auction. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 20.

This development comes after Dr. Bhalchandra Subhedar, a founding member of the Nagpur Nagrik Sahkari Hospital, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), calling for the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital with a focus on organ transplantation at the location. NIT, however, proposed a general multi-specialty hospital instead.

In an earlier hearing, the High Court directed the State Government to respond. The State Health Department clarified that its role is to provide primary healthcare and that setting up a multi-speciality hospital was beyond its scope. Similarly, the Department of Medical Education stated that its responsibilities are limited to managing government hospitals and overseeing medical education policies.

In light of these responses, the Urban Development Department has advised NIT to auction the site for private development. Dr. Subhedar plans to submit further affidavits regarding the State Government’s involvement. Advocate Girish Kunte is representing the case in court.