The foundation of modern healthcare in India can be traced back to the year 1664, when the first modern hospital was established at Fort St. George in Madras (present-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu). Built by the British East India Company, the hospital was created primarily to provide medical care for its European soldiers and staff.
This pioneering medical institution laid the groundwork for organized, institutional healthcare in India. Over time, the hospital expanded its services and significance, eventually evolving into the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, one of the country’s largest and oldest functioning medical institutions.
- Established under British colonial administration at Fort St. George
- First served company troops before opening its doors to Indian civilians in the 18th century
- Evolved into a teaching hospital with the establishment of Madras Medical College in 1835
- Continues today as a premier government hospital serving lakhs of patients annually
“This hospital represents the dawn of structured healthcare in India and Tamil Nadu’s pioneering role in medical service,” said a senior historian from Chennai.
- Year Established: 1664
- Location: Fort St. George, Madras (now Chennai)
- Legacy: India’s first modern hospital
- Today Known As: Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital
As India modernizes its healthcare infrastructure, the legacy of the first hospital at Fort St. George remains a proud reminder of Tamil Nadu’s and India’s enduring commitment to public health.
