HOSPITAL TIMINGS
08:00 am to 06:00 pm
ADDRESS:
M.A. Jinnah Road, Next to Radio Pakistan,
Near Urdu Bazar Karachi. Coordinates: 24°51'38"N 67°1'8"E
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Richmond Crawford was commissioner of Sindh and was known for his fondness for the welfare of animals. He dedicated two acres of land for the construction of a veterinary hospital in 184
0’s. The hospital was named after him and from the day it became a hub where specialists and enthusiasts strived for the welfare of animals. Now move forward 100 years in time. Lady Nanette Constantine, a Swiss origin Karachi walla, became president of SPCA. She managed the activities which included operations of an animal shelter in Gulshan Iqbal, fighting a lawsuit for saving Richmond Crawford Vet. Hospital and running a hotline for reporting of abuse within the city. In early 90’s Govt. issued allotment to a builder for demolishing RCVH and building yet another plaza. Lady Constantine represented civil society which stood against the daylight crime. She was threatened for defending RCVH’s cause and her apartments was ransacked and later her car hit by a truck. However her spirited fight and ensuing public outcry compelled Govt. to rescind the allotment of Shopping mall. Fast forward to 2011, RCVH still survives. However in a very bad shape. To reach there, drive from electronics market saddar towards M.A. Jinnah road on the left. Head in the direction of tower. Opposite NJV School/Total CNG and before Radio Pakistan Office, you will find the building on your left. It is small and simple in design but rich in history. It has arches on the ground floor and square windows on the top floor. The structure is painted white and blue color marbles have been put very recently (quite misfit with rest of the structure). You will mostly find donkeys and goats getting the treatment. Move out and find a horde of children playing cricket. The top floor is closed for some reason. Brooke foundation has an office at the back. Apart from RCVH, Six to eight other vet. hospitals exist across the city but nothing as elegant, nothing as rich in history.
