Mangaluru — The historic Government Wenlock Hospital, a cornerstone of public healthcare in coastal Karnataka, is preparing for a major transformation ahead of its 175th anniversary celebrations on September 14, 2025. The upgrade comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance clinical facilities and preserve the heritage of one of the region’s oldest hospitals.
Speaking to the press, Superintendent Dr. D.S. Shivaprakash announced that the hospital’s heritage building — which houses its administrative and outpatient departments — is being repainted and refurbished. Old furniture will be restored, while outdated medical equipment is being replaced with modern instruments.
Infrastructure Overhaul Underway
Among the key projects:
- A new OPD block is under construction at a cost of ₹70 crore.
- A new Critical Care Block is expected to be operational within a year.
- The hospital is upgrading surgical and diagnostic infrastructure including operation theatres, CATH lab, radiology, and endoscopy units.
Currently, the hospital manages 30,000 inpatients, over 3 lakh outpatients annually, performs 1,000 surgeries, and handles 2,000 dialysis cycles each year. It already boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory, a regional blood transfusion center, and modern surgical and medicine blocks.
Alumni Associations Join Hands
The 175th-anniversary celebrations are being coordinated by the Wenlock, Lady Goschen, and KMC Old Students’ Association.
Dr. M. Shantharam Shetty, President of the Association and a veteran of over three decades at Wenlock and Lady Goschen hospitals, praised the “drastic improvements” seen in recent years. He noted that the anniversary would be an opportunity for alumni to “give something big” back to the hospital — a contribution to be announced soon.
Dean of KMC Mangaluru, Dr. B. Unnikrishnan, emphasized the 70-year partnership between KMC and Wenlock Hospital, calling Wenlock “the pride of Dakshina Kannada.”
A Symbol of Legacy and Service
Established in 1850, Wenlock Hospital has evolved into a tertiary care center serving patients from over 10 districts in Karnataka and parts of Kerala. The anniversary will not only mark a milestone in its long history but will also usher in a new chapter of modernization and service excellence.
