Two heritage structures in Egmore IOG to undergo much-needed makeover

Two historic buildings in Egmore will be restored for ₹11.02 crore to preserve their heritage and enhance medical services.

Two century-old heritage buildings at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (IOG), Egmore, will soon undergo restoration by the Public Works Department, aimed at preserving their historic character while adapting them to contemporary medical use.

After many decades, the ante natal outpatient block and the Gifford School, built a year apart, are set to undergo major restoration at a cost of ₹11.02 crore by February-end.

Built as government maternity hospital on the banks of the Cooum river near the Egmore railway station in early 1800s, it was later shifted to its current site on Pantheon Road in 1882.

It was expanded with more blocks until 1921. The hospital is known to be one of the early facilities built during British period to address women’s reproductive health.

Officials of the PWD’s Building Centre and Conservation Division created for heritage preservation and renovation, said the buildings had suffered 40% to 50% damage owing to ageing and lack of periodic conservation.

Established in 1911, the Gifford School in the campus was named after Major General Gifford, former superintendent of the hospital. Besides a gallery type auditorium, it houses rare obstetric specimens and instruments, some of them are over 60 years old.