1. No electricity for a decade   ■  Run by four employees only
2. The formaldehyde solution, used for preserving specimens, has evaporated, leading to the destruction of important specimens
3. The health museum has been without electricity for the past 10 years
4. Its outstanding property tax dues have piled up to Rs 92,03,478
5. The museum only requires minor repairs, yet no efforts have been made to restore it

Hyderabad’s Health Museum, the only one of its kind in Telangana, is in a state of neglect, facing imminent closure due to years of official apathy. Run by the Public Health Department with four employees, the museum has not been maintained for over two decades, and shockingly, it has been without electricity for the past 10 years.

The museum, which has been a crucial educational resource, is now in ruins. Its outstanding property tax dues have piled up to Rs 92,03,478, and by opting for the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, it could save Rs 1,83,06,328 in arrear interest, reducing its total liability from Rs 2,75,09,806.

Even in its deteriorated condition, the museum continues to attract visitors, especially school children who come to gain a practical understanding of concepts from their textbooks. A senior official stated that, even without electricity, the museum attracts 150 students per week, and during school-planned visits, the number rises to 350-450 students per week. The formaldehyde solution, used for preserving specimens, has evaporated, leading to the destruction of important specimens. The anatomy gallery, which houses real human foetuses ranging from 3 to 9 months, has not been updated in decades. 

A senior official confirmed that the museum has not received a single new exhibit or specimen in recent years. Despite major advancements in medical science and health education, no updates have been made to the museum’s collection.

A historic landmark in ruins

The museum was established in 1948 and relocated to Public Gardens in 1952, playing a significant role in public health education during the era of united Andhra Pradesh. Even today, old signboards from the Andhra Pradesh era remain unchanged, and many officials at the head office are unaware of its existence. 

The building itself, constructed in 1836 is severely damaged, with water seepage and root infiltration weakening its structure. The museum only requires minor repairs, yet no efforts have been made to restore it. If authorities continue to ignore it, Telangana will lose a crucial part of its medical and educational heritage.