Masina matters

"Some of the visitors who visited Masina after a long period of time could not help but comment that they are witnessing a ‘New Masina Hospital,’ ready to face the challenges in the field of healthcare,” wrote the Hospital’s medical director Dr Vispi Jokhi in a note to Parsiana about their newly opened cardio-thoracic center. Inaugurated on November 4, 2018 by managing trustee Homi Katgara, the center comprises a catheter lab, advanced diagnostic facilities for echo and stress tests, an 11-bed intensive cardiac care unit and an operation theater with "contemporary facilities.” The new facility will operate under the leadership of cardiac surgeon Dr Z. Hamdulay, noted Jokhi.

Conservation architect Vikas Dilawari has submitted a report to the Hospital management for the refurbishment of the external facade, internal structure and roof of the main heritage building that crowns the eight-acre property. Estimated to cost Rs 22 crores, Jokhi told The Hindu on November 6, 2018 that they "are in the process of forming the Masina Hospital Restoration Committee.... Once the core committee is formed, based on their recommendations, we will reach out to as many people as possible to raise funds.” The mid-day reported on November 25 that the restoration committee will have around 15-20 members. Art historian Dr Pheroza Godrej, businessman Cyrus Guzder and industrialist and philanthropist Anu Aga are potential members who would be part of the committee, Jokhi told Parsiana on November 27.
Represented on the committee is Ralphy Jhirad, president and managing trustee of Bombay-based Bene Israel Heritage Museum and Genealogical Research Centre. The main building of the Hospital that houses the administration and the out-patients’ department was formerly the residence of Jewish community leader David Sasoon. The property was given to Dr Hormasji Masina in 1912. "We are planning to have an exhibition gallery in the building which can help people from the Jewish community and tourists know about their heritage,” Jokhi told MD.