Hyderabad Mosque-Hospital Achieves Remarkable Healthcare Milestone
In the heart of Hyderabad's Old City, a two-storey mosque located within a slum area has transformed into a vital healthcare hub, treating an astonishing 1.4 lakh patients over the past year. This figure represents nearly five times the annual patient load of numerous government-run primary health centers across Telangana, highlighting its critical role in community health.
A Comprehensive Medical Facility Operating 24x7
Attached to Masjid Omar Shifa in Shaheennagar, this unique mosque-cum-hospital operates with a dedicated team of eight doctors, fifteen nurses, six counsellors, two physiotherapists, and four pharmacists. Unlike many government facilities that offer limited hours, this institution provides free medical care round-the-clock, complete with inpatient facilities and ambulance services.
The hospital features a mini-operation theatre and spans 3,000 square feet with twenty beds. Its comprehensive facilities include a daycare centre, mini casualty ward, lactation management room, physiotherapy centre, dental and eye clinics, and a fully equipped medical laboratory.
Serving Migrant Communities and Local Residents
Approximately 60% of the patients treated are migrant labourers hailing from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, demonstrating the facility's inclusive approach that transcends religious and caste boundaries. The remaining patients primarily come from nearby localities including Osmannagar, Saif Colony, and Venkatapuram.
"About 50% of the patients come to the hospital on foot as they cannot afford transport costs," revealed Mujtaba Hasan Askari, managing trustee of the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF), which manages the facility.
Charitable Funding and Pandemic Origins
The hospital's operations are largely funded through charity collected during Ramzan, with additional support from international organizations including the American Muslim Physicians of Indian Origin (AMPI) and Support for Economic and Educational Development (SEED), both based in the USA. The facility began its operations during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, responding to urgent community health needs.
Addressing Diverse Health Challenges
According to HHF's annual Ramzan report, the hospital treated 139,587 patients in 2025. The tropical diseases ward alone treated 1,652 patients for water- and vector-borne illnesses including acute gastroenteritis, enteric fever, dengue, and viral hepatitis, reflecting the area's endemic health challenges.
The facility provided crucial services to 6,941 pregnant women, with doctors noting common women's health issues including polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, and irregular menstrual cycles among patients. Additionally, 10,200 patients received diagnoses and treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses, while 4,442 patients underwent physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs.
Community Context and Challenges
A pre-Ramzan survey conducted in the Old City revealed significant community concerns, with 67% of households viewing youth unemployment as a serious issue. Among Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, 77.2% identified income and daily survival as their biggest challenges, while 68.6% cited family health as a major pressure point.
Despite these financial constraints, the survey found that 60.3% of families prioritize their children's education, indicating strong community values amidst economic hardship.
This mosque-hospital stands as a remarkable example of community-driven healthcare innovation, filling critical gaps in medical services for some of Hyderabad's most vulnerable populations through sustainable charitable funding and dedicated medical professionals.
