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

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.

Extensive damage

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.

As of now only a small portion on the ground floor of the premises is being used as a lab. With Health and Family Welfare Department sanctioning funds, the single-storey building spread over 12,916 sq.ft. would get a complete makeover. The buildings on the campus are a blend of Indo-Saracenic and colonial era architecture.

Like many ageing historic structures, this one too needs reconstruction of Madras Terrace roof, plastering using traditional lime mortar, and removal of vegetation, including those on the terrace. Several brick joints and portions of the arches show deterioration, said an official.

The ground floor of the ante natal outpatient block, which was constructed in 1912, is still functioning. But the first floor of the red-brick structure spread over 15,833 sq.ft. has remained unused for a few years now.

While the Gifford School premises would be vacated, work on the first floor would have to be carried out even as the OPD block remains operational. The hospital conducts around 20,000 deliveries every year. The project would be completed in 18 months, officials added.