Introduction to Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Secunderabad
Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad, stands as one of the most prestigious and historic medical institutions in India, with a glorious history spanning approximately 172 years. It holds the distinction of being the second oldest hospital in Telangana and the seventh oldest in India, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of healthcare and medical education in the region.
Established in 1851 as a modest infirmary with just three wards, Gandhi Hospital has undergone remarkable growth and transformation over the decades. By the year 1900, it had developed into a Cantonment Hospital with a capacity of 95 beds, catering to the healthcare needs of the growing population.
A significant milestone in its journey was reached in 1913 when it was upgraded and renamed King Edward Memorial Hospital, marking a new phase in its expansion and service delivery. The establishment of Gandhi Medical College in 1954 further strengthened its reputation as a center of excellence in medical education and research. During 1955, it was formally inaugurated by the Honorable Sri. Rajendra Prasad Garu, the First President of India. The Medical Council of India (MCI) officially recognized Gandhi Medical College in 1956, paving the way for the hospital to evolve into a full-fledged teaching hospital by 1958. The College was Taken over by Government of Hyderabad State in the year 1956. The College was Shifted to Basheer Bagh on 31st August in the year 1958. The Silver Jubilee Celebrations were held on 2nd October 1979, marking 25 years of dedicated service and achievement. Lady Hydri Club at Basheer Bagh was handed over to Gandhi Medical College on 22nd April 1984. Foundation stone for Gandhi medica college was laid by then Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri N.T. Ramarao Garu on 1st May 1987 at Musheerabad Jail.
The new building of Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, was inaugurated on 21st November 2003 by the then Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu Garu. On this occasion, the college was officially shifted from its previous location at Basheer Bagh to its present premises in Musheerabad.
Today, Gandhi Hospital operates with an impressive bed strength of 2,016 (recently commissioned beds increased from 1012 to 2016 as per G. O. RT. No. 694, Dated: 29/11/2024 & Official DME Office Correspondence Rc. No: 1632/P1/2025, Dated 24/02/2025), making it a premier institution for post-doctoral medical education and training with the highest number of operational beds in Telangana State. It plays a crucial role in catering to the healthcare needs of not only Telangana but also the neighboring states’ migrant population from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. Its commitment in providing high-quality medical care has made it a referral center for patients from across these regions.
The presently sanctioned academic course seats at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, for the academic year 2024–25 are as follows:
Super Specialty 28 Seats
DM Seats 16 seats(Cardiology 3, Neurology 2, Nephrology 4,
Medical Gastroenterology 5, Endocrinology 2)
M.ch. Seats 12 seats ( Neurosurgery 4,Plastic Surgery 4, Pediatric
Surgery 1, Cardio Thoracic Surgery 1, Urology 2)
Proposals sent to NMC for 3 PG seats in DM Critical Care medicine
Post Graduate 217 (including 4 new added seats of Geriatrics in the year 24-25)
Under Graduate 250 seats
B.sc Allied Sciences 170 Seats
Paramedical Courses 292 Seats
Gandhi Hospital has also pioneered several medical advancements in the region. It holds the distinction of being the first hospital in the erstwhile combined state of Andhra Pradesh to conduct open-heart surgery. Furthermore during 1970, it was the first institution to establish Cath Lab facilities, significantly contributing to the training of DM Cardiology students and the advancement of cardiovascular healthcare. The Hospital has taken up the noble cause of being the state nodal center for the management of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Mucormycosis Epidemic in the recent past. Since the year 2008, the government has proposed this hospital as center of excellence for the management of patients with seasonal and vector-borne diseases, apart from the huge footfall of patients for the management of non-communicable diseases. It is the only public health institution in Telangana State with ISO certifications for Quality Management System in Tertiary Level Public Health Care Services and for Occupational Health and Safety Management System.