Introduction And History
The Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital in Chennai stands as a cornerstone of healthcare infrastructure, tracing its origins to its establishment in the 1920s. Maj. G.J. Cruikshank, the Madras and Southern Mahratta (MSM) Railway's Chief Medical Officer at the time, recognized in 1925 the necessity for a dedicated hospital.
Three years later, a 40-bed hospital was founded with a visionary motive to cater exclusively to the medical needs of railway employees and their families. This institution has evolved into a pivotal healthcare provider in South India over the years, boasting a wide array of departments spanning from general medicine to specialized surgical units. The hospital has accommodated 505 beds to this date, ensuring comprehensive care. It has made significant contributions not only in treating railway personnel but also in advancing medical research and community health initiatives, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of healthcare excellence in the region.
The first coronary artery bypass surgery in India was performed at the Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital (Perambur Railway Hospital) in Chennai in the year 1975. This historic surgery was conducted by Dr. K.M. Cherian, marking a significant milestone in the history of cardiac surgery in India.In 1984, the hospital was recognized by the National Board of Exams for Postgraduate Training and has been offering postgraduate training in general medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopaedic surgery, anesthesiology, pediatrics, cardiology, cardio-thoracic surgery, and otolaryngology.
postgraduates are given comprehensive training and are well-equipped to observe the highest standards of patient care.Being a referral hospital, it caters to patients from all over the country.The National Board of Examinations has conferred the 2014 NBE Scroll of Honour upon the hospital for its outstanding commitment to preserving the highest standards in higher medical education, clinical research, and training.
This legacy is being transferred to a new railway multi-speciality hospital constructed at Perambur at a cost of ₹1,900 million.The hospital is built on a campus measuring a little over 14 acres and will have a separate out-patient department block and six in-patient blocks. The hospital will have over 600 beds, 45 consulting rooms, and 14 operating theaters.