All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
When we talk about the best government hospital in India, the first name that comes to mind is always AIIMS Delhi. Established in 1956, AIIMS is not just a hospital, it is a symbol of trust for millions of Indians. People from every corner of the country come here for treatment. AIIMS is famous for almost every department of medicine including cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, oncology and many more.
The hospital is also a leading medical research center and produces some of the best doctors in the country. The government has provided AIIMS with world-class infrastructure and the doctors here are among the most experienced in India. Even though the hospital is always crowded, people still prefer AIIMS because of its quality and low-cost treatment. For poor patients, many services are either free or very affordable.
AIIMS has also expanded to other cities like Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Rishikesh, Raipur, Jodhpur and Patna. But the main AIIMS in Delhi is still the top choice for complicated treatments.
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
Another name in the list of top government hospitals is PGIMER Chandigarh. This institute was founded in 1962 and since then it has become one of the most respected hospitals in India. It provides treatment in almost every specialty like internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, and many more.
PGIMER is especially popular for advanced care in critical cases. It has some of the best laboratories and research facilities in the country. Patients from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and even from neighboring countries like Nepal come here for treatment.
The hospital is very well managed and although there is always a rush, the doctors and staff are known for their dedication. PGIMER is not just a hospital, it is also a top medical college that trains future doctors with high quality education.
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru
Mental health and brain-related diseases are often ignored in India, but NIMHANS Bengaluru has been working for decades to change that. This hospital is one of the best centers in Asia for mental health, neurology and neurosurgery.
NIMHANS has highly experienced psychiatrists, psychologists and neurosurgeons who treat patients with modern methods and care. People from across India who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, brain injuries, epilepsy and other brain-related problems come here for treatment.
The institute is also doing world-class research in the field of neuroscience. It is a government-run hospital which means the cost of treatment is very low compared to private hospitals. Mental health is as important as physical health, and NIMHANS is playing a big role in creating awareness and providing treatment to people who cannot afford expensive private hospitals.
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
JIPMER Puducherry is another top government hospital in India. It was started in 1956 and is directly run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. JIPMER is a well-known institute for both medical education and hospital services.
This hospital provides multi-specialty care in almost all major departments including cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, urology and oncology. The best part about JIPMER is that it gives modern treatment and surgery at a very low cost compared to private hospitals.
Patients from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and other southern states mostly come here for treatment. The hospital has a clean campus, modern equipment and dedicated doctors. Many patients say that the quality of treatment they get here is equal to private hospitals but at a fraction of the cost.
Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow
The last name in my list of top 5 is SGPGIMS Lucknow. This institute is one of the best in north India and was established in 1983. It is especially strong in the fields of cardiology, urology, nephrology, liver transplant, kidney transplant and oncology.
SGPGIMS is known for handling complex surgeries and providing advanced treatments. The doctors here are very well trained and many of them have international experience. For people living in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states, this hospital is a blessing because they do not need to travel all the way to Delhi or Mumbai for advanced treatment.
The institute also focuses on research and medical education. Like other top government hospitals, it provides services at affordable prices which makes it accessible for middle-class and poor families.
Final Thoughts
Health is the greatest wealth. We often spend time planning our finances, savings and investments but forget that without good health everything becomes meaningless. The government of India has built some excellent hospitals which are not only affordable but also provide treatment equal to or even better than private hospitals.