As we look at the annals of the Diocese of Thanjavur, Rt. Rev. R. A. Sundaram was well known for his vision and enterprises. The district headquarters, Thanjavur town lacked proper medical facilities in those days. The bishop felt the urgent need for a good hospital to provide quality medication to the poor and the needy. So he bought a piece of land at Arulananda Nagar in the outskirts of Thanjavur and constructed a building which would become the cradle for many babies to be born
To manage this hospital, he invited the sisters of the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (SMMI) who had been serving in Tranquebar with dedication and missionary spirit. SMMI sisters are known for their expertise in health ministry and also for their deep love for the poor and the sick. Rev. Sr. Lucienne (1961-1962) was the first superior to lead the health ministry. The hospital was started on 5th April 1961 just as a maternity clinic and it was named “Our Lady of Health Maternity clinic’. It was opened by the Honorable Minister Lourdammal Simon, the then Minister for Local Administration. It had a humble beginning for the great things to follow in the years to come. The noble profession of nursing care was handled both professionally and compassionately by the Sisters.
Rt. Rev. R.A. Sundaram had special interest in the welfare of the hospital and encouraged the Sisters to fulfill his dream of helping the needy sick people. Though it was started as a maternity clinic, later on medical patients were also treated. The people of the town had patronized Our Lady of Health Hospital and because of the interest and enthusiasm shown by the Rt. Rev. R. A. Sundaram, it was popularly known as ‘Andavar Hospital’ which would mean ‘Bishop’s Hospital”. Through the years, the hospital stood as one of the best hospitals in the town for the quality service and medical care. It was known as the charity hospital in the town where the health of the patients was the first priority. The medical care and the selfless service of the Sisters and the staff and above all the blessings of Our Lady of Good Health bring happy memories of this great medical ministry.
