“ Health is an essential requisite of man. The man afflicted with ill-health is powerless to execute event eth least burdensome assignment. The scriptures proclaim that health is the very root of all endeavours in the four fields of human achievement- Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. Without health man cannot brave temptations, earn a decent living, fulfil his basic needs or succeed in spiritual path. Man can engage himself in obligatory and option functions only if he is healthy.”
Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 13
In the annals of humanitarian service, some institutions stand as beacons of selfless dedication, transforming lives and offering solace to those in need. Among these, the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital, founded by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in 1976, shines as a testament to his profound vision of universal love and service. Operating under the aegis of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, this hospital has, for nearly five decades, provided completely free healthcare to all patients, irrespective of their socio-economic status, caste, or creed.
The genesis of the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital was rooted in Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s unwavering belief that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. He often reiterated that “service to man is service to God,” and the hospital became a tangible manifestation of this divine dictum. What began as a modest facility has grown into a highly respected institution, equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by dedicated professionals who embody the spirit of compassionate care.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital is its unwavering commitment to providing healthcare absolutely free of cost. This radical approach challenges conventional healthcare models, where financial considerations often dictate the quality and accessibility of medical treatment. For countless individuals and families who live below the poverty line, or are burdened by the exorbitant costs of medical care, the hospital offers a lifeline, alleviating their suffering without adding to their financial distress. This commitment extends to all aspects of treatment, from consultations and diagnostics to surgeries and post-operative care, including medicines.
The operational philosophy of the hospital is deeply intertwined with the spiritual principles espoused by Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Patients are not merely viewed as medical cases but as embodiments of the divine, deserving of utmost respect, dignity, and loving care. This holistic approach to healing goes beyond treating physical ailments; it encompasses emotional and spiritual well-being. The atmosphere within the hospital is often described as serene and uplifting, fostering a sense of hope and reassurance for both patients and their families.
The success and sustainability of the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital are a tribute to the dedicated efforts of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, which meticulously oversees its operations. The Trust ensures that the hospital maintains high standards of medical excellence, investing in advanced equipment and attracting skilled medical professionals who are willing to serve with a spirit of selflessness. Furthermore, the hospital is supported by a vast network of volunteers, donors, and well-wishers from around the globe, all inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s mission. Their collective contributions, whether in terms of financial aid, time, or expertise, are vital to the continuous functioning of this unique institution.
In a world grappling with disparities in healthcare access and escalating medical costs, the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital stands as a powerful paradigm of what is possible when compassion and service are placed at the forefront. It serves as an enduring legacy of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, demonstrating that true healing transcends the boundaries of medicine and extends into the realm of unconditional love and selfless giving. Its continuing mission to provide free healthcare to all remains a beacon of hope, inspiring humanity to strive for a more equitable and compassionate world.
Early days
In 1969 Sri NG Ganapuley started a small clinic, called Health and Educational society in Whitefield, which distributed medicines to villagers of Whitefield free of cost. This was clinic was donated to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and thus the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital started in 1976.
Excerpts from Discourse during the inauguration of SSSGH
People of this village and villages that are in the surrounding area, will resort to this hospital for medical relief and advise. Unfortunately hospitals that treat patients with love and care, with dedication and devotion are a rarity. These are hospitals with costly equipment and expert doctors, huge buildings and spick-and-span interiors, but they indulge more in profiteering that affording relief. Their services are for those who can pay large sums of money. Villagers are not welcome there, who in turn do not feel at ease to approach them. Therefore this hospital is being started amidst the villages so that expert advice and treatment can be rendered, to them in a loving atmosphere of reverence and devotion. No charge will be levied here for any service. The villages and other can come here, regain their health and return hale and hearty in order to carry out their task an fulfil their responsibilities.”
An excerpt from 10 June 2001.
He alone is a true human being who has purity of thought, word and deed. Hence, it is said, “The proper study of mankind is man.” The doctors of this hospital are rendering service with such purity and broad feelings. Dr. Rajeswari used to work day and night in this hospital. I often used to tell her not to exert herself too much. I would tell her, “Rajeswari, it is possible for you to serve others more and more only when you have good health. So, you should take proper rest.” She would say that serving others was her way of taking rest. Her only wish was to leave her mortal coil while serving in the hospital. That is what happened ultimately. She breathed her last in this hospital itself while doing some work sitting in a chair. Dr. Savitri has been continuing the good work initiated by Dr. Rajeswari. Dolly is also rendering great service.
In addition to these doctors, there are some specialists who come from the city to serve here, e.g. an eye specialist, a dentist, a liver specialist, and an orthopaedic surgeon. The doctor who is arranging this programme is an orthopaedic surgeon. He worked in America before coming here. They are doing service with utmost devotion. All of them are highly dedicated and have love and concern for the patients. I want everyone to develop such love. Every doctor should have such love for the patients. They should talk to the patients with love and make them feel comfortable. They should develop the noble virtues of understanding and adjustment.
I wish to give you a small example to illustrate this. When I gave mementos to the doctors, one doctor did not receive the memento, because he came in the end. Immediately, one of the doctors offered the memento that was given to him. What a noble act it is! All these doctors are endowed with such selfless love. Love alone sustains the entire world. Love is God, live in love.
Humanness cannot exist without love. God does not exist in the form of Vishnu, Siva, etc. He exists in the form of love. One doctor has practically demonstrated such spirit of love in action just now. None of you have taken note of it, but I noticed it. Only the fortunate few are endowed with such spirit of sacrifice.
There are many doctors in the world who are highly qualified and reputed, but they are after name and fame. They are interested in advertising their achievements, whereas our doctors do not care for name and fame. Service is their prime motive. It is because of such noble doctors that our hospital has earned good reputation.
I have noticed that the space available here is very less. There are four operation theatres here. Not an inch of space is left, because all the five acres of land are occupied by this building.
Then what will happen to this hospital? This hospital is also very important. This was like a tiny banyan seed grown into a gigantic tree. It will continue to grow more and more. That general hospital is meant for treating ailments relating to disorders of lungs, bones, liver, etc. This hospital will be exclusively meant for the mother and child.
On July 7th, 2016, a significant event unfolded in the history of the Sri Sathya Sai Healthcare Mission as the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital, located in Whitefield, officially shifted its operations to the campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) in Whitefield. This move was a fulfillment of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision, expressed as early as 2001, that the General Hospital would eventually be located within the same campus as the super specialty hospital.
The integration aimed to provide more comprehensive medical care to patients under one roof, allowing them easier access to high-end diagnostic modalities and world-class facilities. While the General Hospital continues to function as an independent entity, this strategic relocation allows for synergistic operations with the super specialty hospital’s cardiac and neuro specialists, enhancing the overall quality and scope of free healthcare services offered to countless patients.
The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital in Whitefield, now operating from the campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS), provides a wide range of general healthcare services. While SSSIHMS focuses on super-specialties like Cardiology and Neurology, the General Hospital complements this by offering essential primary and secondary care.
Departments at the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital (Whitefield) include:
General Medicine: For the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of various internal diseases.
General Surgery: Covering a broad spectrum of surgical procedures.
Paediatrics: Dedicated to the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat): Dealing with conditions related to these areas.
Ophthalmology: Focusing on eye health and vision.
Urology: Specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Dentistry: Providing dental care and oral health services.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Catering to women’s health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Orthopaedics: Dealing with the musculoskeletal system.
Deramtology: For skin aliments and other conditions
Gasteroenterology: Addressing basic gut and abdomen related issues.
Psychiatry: Addressing mental health conditions.
In addition to these clinical departments, the hospital also has crucial support services such as:
Laboratory facilities: For diagnostic testing.
Radiology: For imaging services like X-rays and ultrasound scans.
Physiotherapy: For rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Amount of work done at SRI SATHYA SAI GENERAL HOSPITAL at SSSIHMS PREMISES from 2016 to Dec 2024
2016 onwards
1
OP VISITS
893,882
2
IP VISITS
25,301
3
DELIVERIES Live birth
3,596
Statistics since inception in 1976 till 2016, i.e. prior to shifting.
