“Praise the Lord!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his love endures forever.”Ps.106:1
The history of Our Lady of Health Hospital is intertwined with the history of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Thanjavur, bifurcated from the Padroado Diocese of Mylapore (Chennai) which was established in 1606. The new Diocese came into existence from 13th November, 1952 with Sacred Heart Church in Thanjavur as its Cathedral and Rt. Rev. R. A. Sundaram as the first bishop from 4th February, 1953. Under his able leadership the diocese developed in the spiritual, educational, social and health spheres.
FOUNDER
Medical quality care
We provide standard treatment & best medical facility in clinic.
We provide standard treatment & best medical facility in clinic.
We provide standard treatment & best medical facility in clinic.
We provide standard treatment & best medical facility in clinic.
We provide standard treatment & best medical facility in clinic.
We provide standard treatment & best medical facility in clinic.
The Diocese of Thanjavur, under the leadership of Rt. Rev. R. A. Sundaram, recognized the need for a dedicated healthcare facility for the people of the region. At that time, Thanjavur lacked proper medical services, especially for the poor and the needy. With a strong vision to serve them, the bishop purchased the land at Arulananda Nagar on the outskirts of Thanjavur and constructed a building which became a place of care and hope for many families.
To manage the hospital, he invited the Sisters of the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (SMMI), known for their commitment to healthcare and their compassionate service to the poor and the sick. Rev. Sr. Lucienne (1961–1962) served as the first superior of the health ministry.
The maternity clinic was inaugurated on 5 April 1961 and was named Our Lady of Health Maternity Clinic. It was opened by Honorable Minister Lourdammal Simon, the Minister for Local Administration by then. What began as a humble maternity unit soon grew under the dedicated and professional service of the sisters.
Rt. Rev. R. A. Sundaram took a personal interest in the growth of the institution and encouraged the sisters in their mission to serve the needy. Over time, the clinic expanded its services beyond maternity care and began treating general medical patients as well. The hospital became affectionately known as “Andavar Hospital,” meaning “Bishop’s Hospital,” symbolizing trust and quality care among the people.
Through the years, Our Lady of Health Hospital became one of the most respected healthcare institutions in Thanjavur, thanks to the dedicated service of the sisters, the staff, and the blessings of Our Lady of Good Health. Their combined efforts continued to inspire the hospital’s commitment to provide compassionate and dependable healthcare.
Over the years, Our Lady of Health Hospital has steadily expanded its services, buildings, and facilities through the continued vision and dedication of the bishops and the SMMI Sisters.
As the number of patients increased beyond maternity services, the outpatient department was established to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. Many doctors were invited to serve as visiting consultant & the resident medical team, to treat patients with various ailments.
As the number of patients increased beyond maternity services, the outpatient department was established to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. Many doctors were invited to serve as visiting consultant & the resident medical team, to treat patients with various ailments.
In 1964, the institution evolved from a Maternity Clinic into a General Hospital, marking a major milestone in its growth. The hospital quickly earned the trust of people from Thanjavur and nearby villages. It became known for offering compassionate care to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or economic background, and was regarded as a haven particularly for the poor and the middle class. The hospital provided affordable healthcare without compromising the quality.
Recognizing the need for the improvement of the facility, the outpatient block was further expanded. The new extension was blessed by Rt. Rev. R. A. Sundaram and inaugurated by Very Rev. Sr. Therese Luc, Superior General of the SMMI Congregation, on 18 October 1977.
Bishop R. A. Sundaram’s vision was fulfilled as the hospital started to grow by the support of the people. His encouragement and guidance, and the dedicated service of the SMMI Sisters, doctors, and staff, played a vital role in shaping the hospital into a trusted institution of healing.
The bishop who succeeded Rt. Rev. R. A. Sundaram continued his mission of strengthening the hospital’s services. Over the years, major improvements were made in infrastructure, facilities and maintenance. As a non-profit making institution, the hospital remains committed to serving the poor and the needy with compassion and dedication.
The Eye Clinic began with the dedicated service of Dr. Gopala Krishnan, an experienced ophthalmologist who practiced at Our Lady of Health Hospital for many years. His commitment laid the foundation for quality eye care in the hospital. His sons now continued this legacy, serving patients with the same dedication.
Archbishop Packiam Arokiasamy played a key role in strengthening the mission established by his predecessor. He supported the continued efforts of the SMMI Sisters and encouraged the growth of the hospital’s healthcare services, acknowledging their committed and compassionate work.
Bishop Devadass Ambrose contributed significantly to the development of the hospital. With a strong vision for improving patient care, he worked to expand facilities and strengthen medical services. He also played an important part in laying the foundation for future training programs for nursing and allied health education in Thanjavur.
During his tenure, the hospital saw notable progress in its infrastructure and service capacity, reflecting his dedication to its growth and long-term development.
Under the leadership of Most Rev. Dr. M. Devadass Ambrose, significant steps were taken to improve the opportunities available for young women in the community. To help them gain education, employment and self-reliance, the following institutions were established:
With the support of dedicated staff and effective management, students received quality nursing education and training. The College of Nursing is recognized as one of the leading nursing institutions in Tamil Nadu.
From the very beginning, the SMMI Sisters played a vital role in shaping the mission of Our Lady of Health Hospital. They reached out to nearby villages, visited families, and provided medical care through mobile clinics. They also conducted Mother and Child Health programmes, health education, value education, and initiated several community-based welfare activities.
Their compassionate outreach built a strong bond between the people and the hospital. In earlier days, when there was no bus service to Arulananda Nagar, reaching the hospital was extremely difficult—especially for mothers in labour. The Sisters, together with local residents, approached government officials to request bus facilities, which were soon provided.
Through their dedication, leadership and service, the SMMI Sisters have been an instrumental in the steady growth of the hospital, a commitment that continues even today.
(1961 - 1962)
(1981-1987)
(1962 - 1972)
(1993 - 1999)
(1972-1976 & 1987-1993)
(2002 - 2011)
(1976 - 1981)
(2011-2014)
(1976 - 1981)
(2014 - Till Date)
The sisters strive to keep its reputation as best hospital for loving care at affordable cost
Our Lady of Health Hospital has grown through the strong collaboration between the Diocese of Thanjavur and the SMMI Sisters. Their dedicated service, along with the commitment of doctors, nurses and staff, enabled the hospital to continuously improve patient care.
In 2017, the hospital raised to NABH Entry-Level Certification, marking a significant milestone in quality and safety standards. This success reflects the shared mission of compassion, respect and service to the poor and the sick.
Our Lady of Health Hospital continues to evolve to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. With the expansion of the Nursing School and College, the hospital is now preparing for further development in clinical services, infrastructure and training facilities.
Future plans include strengthening existing departments, introducing new specialties and enhancing learning opportunities for nursing students.
Our Lady of Health Hospital began as a small maternity clinic with just 16 beds and has now grown into a 200-beded healthcare institution in serving thousands of families each year. Guided by the vision of successive bishops and strengthened by the dedicated service of the SMMI Sisters and staff, the hospital continues to expand in response to the needs of the community.
We remain grateful for the progressive achievements over the years and the committed ongoing growth, improved services and compassionate care.
“Yours, O Lord, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is Yours.” — 1 Chronicles 29:11
