Throughout India’s history, philanthropy has played a decisive role in building institutions that serve the public good, particularly in healthcare. Driven by compassion and civic responsibility, visionary leaders have established hospitals and clinics to bridge vast gaps in access to quality medical care, a need that has always been acute in a country marked by socioeconomic inequalities and the lingering challenges of underdevelopment. Such institutions not only respond to immediate medical emergencies but also foster long-term improvement in public health, uplifting entire communities and setting benchmarks for excellence and inclusivity.
Sir Ganga Ram stands as a towering example of this tradition. Born in 1851 in Punjab, he was a renowned Indian philanthropist, civil engineer, and politician during the British Raj, whose dedication paved the way for cutting-edge infrastructure and humanitarian projects. His legacy includes transforming barren lands into fertile fields, building enduring architectural landmarks, and championing women’s welfare. Most notably, his charitable vision led to the establishment of the first Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Lahore, and later the famed Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi.
Over the years, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has achieved several significant milestones, resulting in a success story, which is also a testament to perseverance and journey towards excellence. In this spirit, we at TII Healthcare Excellence Awards are proud to recognize Sir Ganga Ram Hospital as the Best Hospital of the Year 2025, a title that, we believe, honors not only their accomplishments today but the legacy they continue to build for coming years as a model of transformative healthcare.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Holistic Health
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital stands as a pillar of medical excellence with a capacity of over 900 beds, offering care across 71 specialties through more than 100 specialized clinics. The hospital’s 35 state-of-the-art operation theatres adhere to the highest standards, ensuring superior surgical outcomes. Embracing a multidisciplinary approach, the hospital delivers holistic, integrated care that addresses not only patients’ immediate medical needs but also their overall health and well-being.
Adopting a rigorous, system-wide approach to patient safety and care, rather than confining best practices to select departments, the hospital ensures that high standards are institutionalized at each touch-point.
A cornerstone of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital’s commitment to excellence lies in its broad spectrum of national accreditations and certifications. These include NABL Accreditation for Testing & Calibration Labs, NABH Full Hospital Accreditation, NABH Blood Bank Accreditation, and, more recently, NABH Digital Health Accreditation, NABH Nursing Excellence Certification, and Infuze Certification, all obtained in 2024. These credentials establish rigorous external standards and foster continuous auditing to ensure consistency, accountability, and ongoing enhancements in quality and patient safety.
Pioneering Advanced Technologies in Cancer Care
When asked about the key innovations and advanced technologies that Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has introduced recently to enhance patient care, Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of the Board of Management, highlighted several landmark developments. Notably, in June 2025, SGRH inaugurated its Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, a 200-bed facility launched by the President of India. This center unites medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and day-care chemotherapy under one roof.
Among the cutting-edge diagnostic tools introduced is the PET-CT scan, which greatly improves precision in cancer detection, staging, and treatment monitoring. The radiation oncology department has been revamped with state-of-the-art equipment, such as TrueBeam STx, Tomotherapy Radixact X9, Flexitron HDR Brachytherapy, and Somatom go.SIM CT Simulator with 4DCT technology. These advancements allow highly precise tumor targeting, minimize exposure to healthy tissue, and incorporate motion management techniques.
Dr. Swaroop also underscored the adoption of the Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery system that facilitates more precise surgeries with less tissue trauma and quicker patient recovery. The hospital’s Endovision system offers high-definition 3D/4K visualization, enhancing surgeons’ depth perception and reducing operative time and complications. Additionally, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is pioneering the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for end-stage diseases, providing renewed hope through enhanced oxygen delivery and tissue healing.
Innovation and Hope
In discussing the notable medical breakthroughs and remarkable success stories achieved by the hospital this year, Dr. Ajay Swaroop, highlighted several pioneering accomplishments.
One of the most notable milestones was the successful completion of North India’s first non-invasive MRgFUS (Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound) thalamotomy in May 2025. This cutting-edge procedure offers Parkinson’s patients a non-surgical option to alleviate tremors, marking a significant advancement in neurological care. Dr. Swaroop noted, “This breakthrough reflects our dedication to integrating technology and patient-centered care for better quality of life.”
In September 2025, the hospital achieved another critical feat with a complex heart transplant involving a donor heart transported via green corridors from Chandigarh to Delhi in under two hours. The recipient, a 39-year-old male with dilated cardiomyopathy from Meerut, underwent a life-saving operation that showcased the hospital’s coordination and surgical expertise.
Adding to this remarkable record, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital also performed North India’s first bilateral hand transplant. The intricate surgery involved reattaching bones, arteries, tendons, nerves, muscles, and skin for a patient who had lost both hands in an accident, marking an inspiring chapter in transplant medicine.
“These are not just medical procedures but stories of hope and renewed possibilities for our patients,” Dr. Swaroop emphasized. “Our team’s passion and innovation continue to redefine what’s achievable in healthcare.”
Affordable Care for All
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital demonstrates a profound commitment to healthcare affordability by reserving 10% of its total bed capacity for inpatient care and 25% for outpatient services specifically for patients from financially weaker sections. On these reserved beds, patients receive full support, including free boarding, lodging, diagnostic investigations, medicines, and surgeries. Additionally, a significant proportion of diagnostic tests for outpatients is either provided free or at subsidized rates. Employing a cross-subsidy model, the hospital leverages revenue from paying patients to subsidize or fully cover costs for those less able to pay. Particularly, the Sir Ganga Ram Trust Society oversees these charitable initiatives, safeguarding the hospital’s mission to serve all strata of society with dignity and compassion.
Future-Ready
Looking ahead, SGRH has ambitious plans for expansion and modernization aimed at meeting growing patient demand while enhancing service quality. A new outpatient department (OPD) block is planned to manage the daily influx of over 3,000 patients, featuring specialized consultation zones and upgraded diagnostic units. Though the recently launched Cancer Care Centre marks a significant step, future expansions include enhancing radiotherapy capabilities further. The hospital envisions expanding its research and training infrastructure, with increased space for OPDs, more free beds, and an expansion of faculty to bolster educational programs at GRIPMER and postgraduate levels. Discussions are underway about establishing an SGRH Medical College to nurture the next generation of doctors. Throughout all expansions, the focus remains steadfast on inclusivity, ensuring more free beds, better outpatient access, and smoother patient flow to reduce overcrowding, so that growth benefits the broader community and not just those who can afford care. In this blend of compassionate service and forward-thinking development, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital continues to exemplify a healthcare model where cutting-edge treatment meets accessibility and social responsibility.
