History — General Hospital — SSSIHMS Whitefield

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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.

— Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 13

Introduction

A Beacon of Selfless Service Since 1976

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 hospital is its unwavering commitment to providing healthcare absolutely free of cost. 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 success and sustainability of the hospital are a tribute to the dedicated efforts of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, which meticulously oversees its operations, and to a vast network of volunteers, donors and well-wishers from around the globe, all inspired by Bhagawan’s mission.

The Early Days

A Clinic Given in Love

In 1969, Sri N. G. Ganapuley started a small clinic in Whitefield — the Health and Educational Society — which distributed medicines to the villagers free of cost. The clinic was donated to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and thus the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital was born in 1976.

At its inauguration, Bhagawan set out its charter: a hospital amidst the villages, where expert advice and treatment would be rendered in a loving atmosphere of reverence and devotion — with no charge ever levied for any service.

At the Inauguration"

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.

— Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, at the inauguration of SSSGH

Discourse, 10 June 2001

“This Was Like a Tiny Banyan Seed”

He alone is a true human being who has purity of thought, word and deed. 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… 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… 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.

There are many doctors in the world who are highly qualified and reputed, but they are after name and fame… 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.

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.

The Early Years

Walking through the hospital with the staff

Group photograph with the hospital family

7 July 2016

One Campus, One Mission

Fulfilling a vision Bhagawan expressed as early as 2001, the General Hospital shifted its operations onto the SSSIHMS Whitefield campus in July 2016. It continues to function as an independent entity, while patients gain easier access to high-end diagnostics and synergy with the super-specialty cardiac and neuro teams.

Five Decades of Care