Top 7 Hospitals in Chennai: Overview, Facilities, Specialties & Expenses

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Top 7 Hospitals in Chennai: Overview, Facilities, Specialties & Expenses

Introduction

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, has earned its reputation as the “Health Capital of India” due to its wide network of top-quality medical institutions. Patients from across the globe visit Chennai for affordable, high-standard medical care. The city offers both government and private hospitals that provide advanced treatments across a range of specialties—from cardiac and cancer care to orthopedics and eye surgery. In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 hospitals in Chennai, offering insights into their overview, facilities, specialties, and treatment expenses.

1. Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH)

Overview:
Established in 1664, RGGGH is one of the oldest and largest government hospitals in India. It is affiliated with the prestigious Madras Medical College and plays a central role in medical education and patient care.

Facilities:

  • 2,700+ beds

  • Fully equipped ICUs and operating theaters

  • Emergency and trauma care

  • Advanced diagnostic labs

  • Organ transplant units (notably for kidney transplants)

Specialties:
Cardiology, nephrology, neurology, general medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and urology.

Expenses:
Being a government hospital, most treatments and surgeries are free of cost or require a nominal registration fee, making it ideal for economically disadvantaged patients.

2. Sankara Nethralaya

Overview:
Founded in 1978, Sankara Nethralaya is a non-profit eye hospital that offers world-class ophthalmic care. It is recognized internationally for its commitment to research, education, and affordable treatment.

Facilities:

  • Dedicated eye care operation theaters

  • Optical and pharmacy services

  • Research and training institutes

  • Outreach programs for rural eye care

  • Pediatric and geriatric eye care units

Specialties:
Cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, glaucoma, retinal diseases, squint correction, and LASIK.

Expenses:
Services are available at affordable or subsidized rates. Free surgeries and treatments are offered through charitable programs for underprivileged patients.

3. Government Royapettah Hospital

Overview:
Started in 1911, this government-run tertiary care hospital is located in central Chennai. It plays a major role in serving the public with a focus on emergency and cancer care.

Facilities:

  • 700+ beds

  • Exclusive cancer treatment block

  • 24/7 emergency and trauma services

  • Pathology and radiology departments

  • Blood bank and ICU care

Specialties:
Oncology, general medicine, orthopedics, ENT, dermatology, and psychiatry.

Expenses:
Treatment is free or very low-cost, especially under state healthcare schemes, making it widely accessible to the public.

4. Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital

Overview:
Inaugurated in 2023, this newly built super-specialty hospital is a major government initiative aimed at providing high-end treatments for free.

Facilities:

  • 1,000-bed facility

  • State-of-the-art equipment

  • Dedicated wings for cardiology, neurology, nephrology, and oncology

  • Free diagnostics, surgeries, and ICU care

  • Cashless treatment under CMCHIS

Specialties:
Neurology, cardiology, urology, nephrology, oncology, and critical care.

Expenses:
All treatments are free of cost under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, making it one of the most cost-effective super-specialty hospitals in Chennai.

5. Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road

Overview:
Founded in 1983, Apollo Hospitals in Chennai is the flagship of Apollo Group. It is a NABH-accredited hospital known globally for cutting-edge treatments and multi-organ transplants.

Facilities:

  • Robotic surgery systems

  • 640-slice CT, PET-CT, MRI

  • Liver and heart transplant centers

  • International patient services

  • Luxurious private rooms and suites

Specialties:
Cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, transplants (heart, liver, kidney), and gastroenterology.

Expenses:
As a private hospital, expenses are high compared to government institutions. Initial consultations may range from ₹800 to ₹1,500, while surgeries can cost between ₹1 lakh to ₹25 lakhs, depending on complexity.

6. Fortis Malar Hospital

Overview:
Fortis Malar, formerly Malar Hospital, began operations in 1992 and is part of the Fortis Healthcare network. It is well known for excellence in cardiac care.

Facilities:

  • Advanced cardiac catheterization labs

  • Modular operation theaters

  • Dialysis units

  • Comfortable inpatient rooms

  • 24/7 emergency care

Specialties:
Cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, neurology, gastroenterology, gynecology, and nephrology.

Expenses:
As a premium private hospital, Fortis Malar’s costs are moderate to high. OPD charges range from ₹700 to ₹1,200; surgeries and in-patient care depend on room types and procedures selected.

7. MIOT International Hospital

Overview:
Established in 1999, MIOT International is a multi-specialty private hospital recognized globally for its orthopedic and joint replacement services. It caters to both national and international patients.

Facilities:

  • International patient lounge and concierge

  • 3 Tesla MRI, 640-slice CT, and advanced operation theaters

  • Blood bank, ICUs, and rehabilitation units

  • In-house pharmacy and cafeteria

Specialties:
Orthopedics, joint replacement, oncology, cardiology, nephrology, spine surgery, and organ transplants.

Expenses:
MIOT is a high-end private hospital. OPD fees range from ₹800 to ₹2,000. Surgical treatments and hospitalizations may cost from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹20+ lakhs, depending on specialty and complexity.

Conclusion

Chennai’s healthcare infrastructure is among the finest in India, offering everything from affordable public services to internationally acclaimed private hospitals. Whether you’re seeking free cancer treatment, a quick eye surgery, or complex organ transplantation, Chennai has something for everyone. The city’s top hospitals cater to a wide demographic—balancing cost, quality, and accessibility. Before choosing a hospital, consider your medical needs, urgency, budget, and desired comfort level. The hospitals listed above represent the best that Chennai has to offer in terms of advanced care, compassionate service, and medical excellence.