The building, established in 1917 by the then Sindh commissioner Henry Staveley Lawrence, is also known as SIUT OPD 14 for public service in health care. PHOTO: COURTESY SIUT
The building, established in 1917 by the then Sindh commissioner Henry Staveley Lawrence, is also known as SIUT OPD 14 for public service in health care. Goverdhandas Mohatta building committed a great crime, which is its costly teak wood and stone, Dr Rizvi said, adding that many attempts were made to demolish the structure.
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Dr Rizvi believes a nation can only survive historically if it remembers the legacy of its predecessors. The building has an ultrasound unit, small laboratory and a record room that has more than 60,000 medical records of patients. It was first started as an eye hospital under the Civil Hospital, Karachi, which continued till the early 1990s and was handed over to SIUT in 1992.
Architect and heritage consultant Marvi Mazhar said the structure of the heritage building was in poor condition earlier. However, the activist said, seeing it now in this absolute glory gives immense pleasure and hope that we will be celebrating many more years of this building and other heritage buildings.
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Appreciating Dr Rizvi's passion, heritage technical committee chairperson and advisory committee member, Hameed Haroon, said saving this building is primarily due to his efforts. "This is only the beginning of the battle to save our heritage," reiterated Haroon.
Hameed Akhund from heritage committee said it will be a lost cause until the residents of Karachi do not protest and ensure that the heritage is protected and restored. According to him, people need to save their heritage for the coming generations.
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