Puducherry, the serene coastal Union Territory known for its French colonial charm, Auroville, and tranquil beaches, is also a leading healthcare hub in South India. As of April 21, 2025, Puducherry’s healthcare system, managed by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, boasts 137 government hospitals, 222+ private hospitals, and advanced facilities like the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). Many are empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), offering cashless treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. With a network of 39 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 4 Community Health Centres (CHCs), and multispecialty hospitals like Vinayaka Missions Super Speciality Hospital, Puducherry serves its 1.4 million residents and patients from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and beyond. This comprehensive guide explores Puducherry’s top hospitals, detailing services, infrastructure, doctor names, costs, assistance, and recent reviews, ensuring you navigate healthcare seamlessly.

Why Choose Puducherry for Healthcare?

Puducherry’s healthcare system is adjudged one of India’s best, with a per capita health expenditure of Rs. 1,658 and accessible care within 1.18 km on average. Key strengths include:

• Advanced Infrastructure: Facilities like JIPMER and East Coast Hospitals offer cutting-edge diagnostics (MRI, CT) and specialties (cardiology, oncology).
• Affordable Care: PMJAY and state schemes cover hospitalization, surgeries, and critical illnesses, reducing costs for BPL families.
• Comprehensive Network: 81 sub-centres, 39 PHCs, 4 CHCs, and 9 major hospitals serve 55 lakh outpatients and 1.5 lakh inpatients annually.
• Specialized Programs: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Reproductive and Child Health, and disease control initiatives (AIDS, TB, leprosy) enhance public health.
• Medical Tourism: Puducherry attracts patients from South India for its quality care and proximity to Chennai.

Challenges include manpower shortages at public hospitals like Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital (IGGGH) and limited cancer treatment facilities outside JIPMER. However, new hospitals like Vinayaka Missions and ongoing upgrades under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) are addressing gaps.

Top Hospitals in Puducherry: Detailed Overview

Below is an updated list of Puducherry’s most well-known hospitals, focusing on PMJAY-empaneled and reputed facilities, verified through health.py.gov.in, hospitals.pmjay.gov.in, jipmer.edu.in, and nmcpondy.com. Each entry includes services, costs, and reviews, with practical tips for patients.

1. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

• Address: JIPMER Campus, Dhanvantari Nagar, Gorimedu, Puducherry 605006
• Contact: +91 413 229 6000, +91 413 229 8288 (Emergency); Email: [email protected]
• Website: jipmer.edu.in
• Type: Public, PMJAY-empaneled, Autonomous
• Infrastructure:
• 2,135 beds, 192-acre campus, 40+ departments.
• Facilities: 1.5T MRI, 128-slice CT, cath lab, robotic surgery, oncology centre, ICU, 24/7 emergency, blood bank, telemedicine.
• Departments: Cardiology, oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, gynecology, pediatrics, urology, gastroenterology.
• Services:
• PMJAY-covered treatments: Angioplasty, chemotherapy, dialysis, joint replacements.
• Specialized care: Regional Cancer Centre, stroke unit, neonatal ICU, trauma care.
• Training: MBBS, MD/MS, DM/MCh, nursing (2,000+ students).
• Doctor Names:
• Dr. Rakesh Aggarwal (Director, General Medicine).
• Dr. Ashok Badhe (Anesthesiology).
• Dr. Debdatta Basu (Pathology).
• Full list: jipmer.edu.in/departments (contact for schedules).
• Costs:
• PMJAY Patients: Free for covered treatments (e.g., angioplasty: Rs. 1–1.5 lakh, chemotherapy: Rs. 50,000–1 lakh, dialysis: Rs. 10,000/month).
• Non-PMJAY Patients:
• Consultations: Free or Rs. 50–200.
• Diagnostics: Blood tests Rs. 10–200; CT scan Rs. 1,000–5,000; MRI Rs. 3,000–10,000.
• Surgeries: Minor Rs. 5,000–20,000; major Rs. 20,000–1 lakh.
• Hospitalization: General ward free; private room Rs. 500–2,000/day.
• JSY: Free deliveries, Rs. 1,400 incentive.
• Reviews/Sentiment:
• Positive: “Top-notch treatment, especially for cancer and heart issues, affordable for all” (Practo, 2025).
• Negative: “Long wait times, crowded OPD, and limited beds during outbreaks” (X post, 2025).
• Overall: India’s premier public hospital, ideal for complex cases but busy.
• Accessibility:
• 7 km from Puducherry Railway Station, via NH-32.
• Free PMJAY ambulances (108); hospital ambulances (+91 413 229 8288).
• Patient Tips:
• Use online OPD booking (jipmer.edu.in) to reduce wait times.
• Bring Ayushman Card and Aadhaar for cashless treatment.
• Ideal for oncology, cardiology, and neurosurgery.

2. Vinayaka Missions Super Speciality Hospital (VMSH), Puducherry

• Address: Puducherry-Cuddalore Road, Kirumampakkam, Puducherry 607402
• Contact: +91 413 261 1000; Email: [email protected]
• Type: Private, PMJAY-empaneled
• Infrastructure:
• 325 beds, 2 lakh sq. ft., 5 floors.
• Facilities: 256-slice CT, MRI, cath lab, robotic surgery, 10 modular operation theaters, ICU, 24/7 emergency, blood bank.
• Departments: Cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, gynecology, urology, gastroenterology, nephrology.
• Services:
• PMJAY-covered treatments: Bypass surgery, knee replacement, chemotherapy, dialysis.
• Specialized care: Cardiac interventions, minimally invasive surgeries, trauma care.
• Additional: Telemedicine, health check-ups, ambulance services.
• Doctor Names:
• Specific names unavailable; staffed by 50+ specialists (cardiologists, neurologists).
• Contact hospital (+91 413 261 1000) for roster.
• Costs:
• PMJAY Patients: Free (e.g., bypass surgery: Rs. 1.5–2 lakh, knee replacement: Rs. 1–1.5 lakh).
• Non-PMJAY Patients:
• Consultations: Rs. 500–1,500.
• Diagnostics: Blood tests Rs. 100–1,000; CT scan Rs. 3,000–8,000; MRI Rs. 5,000–15,000.
• Surgeries: Minor Rs. 20,000–50,000; major Rs. 2–5 lakh.
• Hospitalization: General ward Rs. 2,000–5,000/day; private room Rs. 8,000–15,000/day.
• Reviews/Sentiment:
• Positive: “World-class facilities, compassionate staff, great for heart and ortho” (X post, @indiamedtoday, 2025).
• Negative: “New hospital, limited patient feedback; higher costs for non-PMJAY” (local feedback, 2025).
• Overall: Puducherry’s first corporate multispecialty hospital, promising for advanced care.
• Accessibility:
• 15 km from Puducherry city center, via NH-45A.
• Free PMJAY ambulances (108); private ambulances Rs. 1,000–3,000.
• Patient Tips:
• Book appointments online (vmsh.in, under development).
• Verify PMJAY eligibility at helpdesk.
• Ideal for cardiac and neurological treatments.

3. East Coast Hospitals, Puducherry

• Address: No. 1, Paris Nagar, Moolakulam, Puducherry 605010
• Contact: +91 413 229 7800, +91 413 229 0020 (Emergency); Email: [email protected]
• Website: eastcoasthospitals.com
• Type: Private, PMJAY-empaneled
• Infrastructure:
• 200+ beds, 5 operation theaters, largest dialysis unit in Puducherry.
• Facilities: MRI, CT, ESWL, stem cell therapy unit, blood bank, ICU, 24/7 emergency, pharmacy.
• Departments: Cardiology, nephrology, orthopedics, gynecology, pediatrics, neurology.
• Services:
• PMJAY-covered treatments: Dialysis, cesarean, fracture fixation, chemotherapy.
• Specialized care: Dialysis (30+ years), stem cell therapy, trauma care.
• Additional: Health check-ups, 24/7 ambulance, clinical lab.
• Doctor Names:
• Dr. N. Murugesan (Chairman, Nephrology).
• Dr. S. Murugesan (Neurology).
• Contact hospital (+91 413 229 7800) for full roster.
• Costs:
• PMJAY Patients: Free (e.g., dialysis: Rs. 10,000/month, cesarean: Rs. 25,000).
• Non-PMJAY Patients:
• Consultations: Rs. 400–1,200.
• Diagnostics: Blood tests Rs. 100–800; CT scan Rs. 2,000–6,000; MRI Rs. 5,000–12,000.
• Surgeries: Minor Rs. 15,000–40,000; major Rs. 1–3 lakh.
• Hospitalization: General ward Rs. 1,500–4,000/day; private room Rs. 5,000–10,000/day.
• Reviews/Sentiment:
• Positive: “Pioneers in dialysis, excellent nephrology and trauma care” (ThreeBestRated.in, 2025).
• Negative: “Can be crowded during emergencies” (Justdial, 2025).
• Overall: A trusted private hospital, renowned for dialysis and multispecialty care.
• Accessibility:
• 5 km from Puducherry city center, via NH-32.
• Free PMJAY ambulances (108).
• Patient Tips:
• Use for dialysis and nephrology.
• Book health check-ups online.
• Arrive early for OPD (9 AM–6 PM).

4. New Medical Centre (NMC), Puducherry

• Address: No. 470, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Puducherry 605001
• Contact: +91 413 222 5287, +91 413 222 5288; Email: [email protected]
• Website: nmcpondy.com
• Type: Private, PMJAY-empaneled
• Infrastructure:
• 200+ beds, 14 departments, 5 operation theaters.
• Facilities: X-ray, ultrasound, laboratory, ICU, 24/7 emergency, pharmacy, ambulance.
• Departments: Cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry.
• Services:
• PMJAY-covered treatments: Deliveries, minor surgeries, diagnostics.
• Specialized care: Mental health (Dr. Sathyamoorthy), preventive health check-ups.
• Additional: Health camps (e.g., Women’s Day 2025), telemedicine.
• Doctor Names:
• Dr. Sathyamoorthy (Psychiatry).
• Dr. M.V. Thayumana Sundaram (Founder, inspiration).
• Contact hospital (+91 413 222 5287) for roster.
• Costs:
• PMJAY Patients: Free (e.g., delivery: Rs. 10,000–25,000, appendectomy: Rs. 20,000).
• Non-PMJAY Patients:
• Consultations: Rs. 300–800.
• Diagnostics: X-ray Rs. 500–1,500; ultrasound Rs. 1,000–3,000.
• Surgeries: Minor Rs. 15,000–30,000; major Rs. 30,000–80,000.
• Hospitalization: General ward Rs. 1,500–3,000/day; private room Rs. 5,000–10,000/day.
• Reviews/Sentiment:
• Positive: “Welcoming environment, great mental health programs” (nmcpondy.com, 2025).
• Negative: “Limited advanced diagnostics compared to JIPMER” (Justdial, 2025).
• Overall: Reliable for general and psychiatric care, strong community focus.
• Accessibility:
• Central Puducherry, 3 km from Puducherry Railway Station.
• Free PMJAY ambulances (108).
• Patient Tips:
• Use for mental health and maternity services.
• Check health camp schedules online.

5. Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital & Postgraduate Institute (IGGGH), Puducherry

• Address: Victor Simonal Street, White Town, Puducherry 605001
• Contact: +91 413 233 6050; Email: [email protected]
• Type: Public, PMJAY-empaneled
• Infrastructure:
• 750 beds, 20+ departments, established 1690.
• Facilities: X-ray, ultrasound, operation theaters, ICU, 24/7 emergency, limited dialysis.
• Departments: Medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology.
• Services:
• PMJAY-covered treatments: Cesarean, minor surgeries, diagnostics.
• Specialized care: Maternal health, trauma, infectious diseases.
• Challenges: Manpower shortages (1,104 staff, 32 specialists).
• Doctor Names:
• Specific names unavailable; staffed by 32 specialists (surgeons, gynecologists).
• Contact hospital (+91 413 233 6050) for details.
• Costs:
• PMJAY Patients: Free (e.g., delivery: Rs. 5,000–10,000, minor surgery: Rs. 10,000–15,000).
• Non-PMJAY Patients:
• Consultations: Free.
• Diagnostics: Blood tests Rs. 10–100; X-ray Rs. 50–300.
• Surgeries: Minor Rs. 5,000–10,000; major cases referred.
• Hospitalization: General ward free.
• Reviews/Sentiment:
• Positive: “Quality treatment, affordable for all” (The Hindu, 2019).
• Negative: “Cramped OPD, sanitation issues, staff shortages” (The Hindu, 2019).
• Overall: Historic public hospital, strained but reliable for basic care.
• Accessibility:
• Central Puducherry, 2 km from Puducherry Railway Station.
• Free ambulances (108).
• Patient Tips:
• Use for emergencies and deliveries.
• Arrive early for OPD (8 AM–2 PM).

Healthcare Services and Facilities in Puducherry

Puducherry’s healthcare ecosystem includes primary, secondary, and tertiary care, supported by the Department of Health & Family Welfare and NRHM:

• Primary Health Centres (PHCs): 39 PHCs (e.g., Bahour PHC, +91 413 263 3232) offer consultations, immunizations, and maternal care.
• Community Health Centres (CHCs): 4 CHCs (e.g., Karikalampakkam CHC) provide minor surgeries and emergency care.
• Sub-Centres: 81 Sub-Centres deliver basic care and vaccinations.
• Specialized Programs:
• JSY: Free deliveries, Rs. 1,400 incentive.
• Tele-MANAS: 24/7 mental health helpline (14416).
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Free consultations, 172 medicines, 63 diagnostics.
• Disease Control: AIDS, TB, leprosy, malaria programs.
• Training: JIPMER and Vinayaka Mission’s Medical College train 300+ MBBS students annually.

Doctor Names and Specialists

Specific doctor names are limited due to rotations and privacy policies. Key facilities employ:

• JIPMER: Dr. Rakesh Aggarwal (medicine), Dr. Ashok Badhe (anesthesiology), Dr. Debdatta Basu (pathology).
• East Coast Hospitals: Dr. N. Murugesan (nephrology), Dr. S. Murugesan (neurology).
• NMC: Dr. Sathyamoorthy (psychiatry).
• VMSH/IGGGH: 50+ specialists (VMSH), 32 specialists (IGGGH).

How to Find Doctors:

1. Hospital Contact: Call JIPMER (+91 413 229 6000), VMSH (+91 413 261 1000), East Coast (+91 413 229 7800).
2. PMJAY Helpline: 14555 for specialist availability.
3. Health Department: +91 413 222 9350, [email protected].
4. Health Camps: Ayushman Arogya Shivir schedules via helpline 108.

Note: For advanced specialties (e.g., advanced oncology), referrals to Chennai are common.

Exact Costs of Treatment

Under PMJAY, eligible patients receive free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh/family/year. Below are cost details:

PMJAY-Covered Costs (Free)

• Eligibility: SECC 2011 families, Ayushman Card holders. Verify at pmjay.gov.in or 14555.
• Services: Hospitalization, surgeries (e.g., bypass, cesarean), diagnostics (CT, MRI), ICU, medications, pre/post-hospitalization (15 days).
• Example Rates:
• Cardiac bypass: Rs. 1.5–2 lakh
• Knee replacement: Rs. 1–1.5 lakh
• Cesarean: Rs. 25,000
• Dialysis: Rs. 10,000/month

Non-PMJAY Costs

• JIPMER/IGGGH:
• Consultations: Free or Rs. 50–200
• Diagnostics: CT scan Rs. 1,000–5,000; X-ray Rs. 50–500
• Surgeries: Minor Rs. 5,000–20,000; major Rs. 20,000–1 lakh
• Hospitalization: General ward free
• VMSH/East Coast/NMC:
• Consultations: Rs. 300–1,500
• Diagnostics: CT scan Rs. 2,000–8,000; MRI Rs. 5,000–15,000
• Surgeries: Minor Rs. 15,000–50,000; major Rs. 1–5 lakh
• Hospitalization: General ward Rs. 1,500–5,000/day
• Maternity Hospitals (e.g., Ashwini):
• Consultations: Rs. 300–800
• Deliveries: Rs. 10,000–25,000 (non-PMJAY)
• Hospitalization: Rs. 1,000–3,000/day

Verify Costs:

• Call hospitals (JIPMER: +91 413 229 6000, VMSH: +91 413 261 1000).
• Use PMJAY helpline (14555) or 108.
• Request written estimates for non-covered treatments.

Assistance and Support

Puducherry offers robust healthcare assistance:

Puducherry Health Department

• Role: Oversees hospitals, PMJAY implementation, and grievances.
• Contact:
• Phone: +91 413 222 9350, +91 413 233 6050
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Department of Health & Family Welfare, Victor Simonal Street, Puducherry 605001
• Website: health.py.gov.in
• Services: Hospital directories, PMJAY eligibility, referrals, health camp schedules.

Helplines

• PMJAY Helpline: 14555, 1800-111-565 (24/7)
• NHM Helpline: 108 (ambulance, hospital locator).
• Tele-MANAS: 14416 (mental health).
• JIPMER Emergency: +91 413 229 8288.
• IGGGH Emergency: +91 413 233 6050.

Additional Support

• Ambulance Services: Free via 108; private (East Coast) Rs. 1,000–3,000.
• Referrals: JIPMER refers to Chennai (e.g., Apollo Hospitals) for advanced care.
• Grievances: Report PMJAY issues to 14555 or [email protected].
• Health Camps: Ayushman Arogya Shivir for specialist access (helpline 108).

Recent Reviews and Sentiment

• JIPMER: “Leading for cancer and heart care, but long waits” (Practo, 2025). Praised for expertise, criticized for crowds.
• VMSH: “Cutting-edge, compassionate, but new” (X post, 2025). Limited feedback due to recent launch.
• East Coast Hospitals: “Best for dialysis, reliable trauma care” (ThreeBestRated.in, 2025). Noted for nephrology, occasionally crowded.
• NMC: “Great for mental health, welcoming vibe” (nmcpondy.com, 2025). Strong for psychiatry, less advanced diagnostics.
• IGGGH: “Affordable but cramped and understaffed” (The Hindu, 2019). Reliable for basic care, needs upgrades.

Critical Note: Some sources (e.g., puducherryonline.in) list outdated contact details; always verify via hospital websites or helplines.

Practical Tips for Patients

1. Choosing a Hospital:
• Emergencies: JIPMER or IGGGH for public, VMSH/East Coast for private.
• Specialty Care: JIPMER (oncology, neurosurgery), East Coast (nephrology), NMC (psychiatry).
• Maternity: Ashwini Maternity Hospital or JIPMER.
2. PMJAY Eligibility: Check at pmjay.gov.in or 14555; bring Ayushman Card and Aadhaar.
3. Accessibility:
• Puducherry hospitals are near NH-32/45A, 2–15 km from Puducherry Railway Station.
• Free ambulances (108); book inter-district travel (e.g., Yanam) early.
4. Preparation:
• Save helplines (14555, 108, +91 413 222 9350).
• Arrive early for OPD (8 AM–2 PM).
• Carry medical records and ID.
5. Tourist Tips:
• Carry medications; pharmacies are abundant in Puducherry city.
• Stay hydrated in coastal climate.
• Book hospital visits alongside travel plans (e.g., Auroville visits).

Puducherry’s healthcare system, with flagship hospitals like JIPMER, VMSH, and East Coast Hospitals, offers world-class care backed by PMJAY. From advanced oncology in JIPMER to dialysis at East Coast, patients have diverse options. Leverage helplines (14555, 108) and the Health Department (+91 413 222 9350) to navigate this ecosystem effectively. Whether you’re seeking affordable public care or premium private services, Puducherry delivers in 2025.

Next Steps:

• Verify hospital empanelment at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in.
• Contact JIPMER (+91 413 229 6000) or VMSH (+91 413 261 1000) for appointments.
• For advanced care, request referrals to Chennai.
• Share your experience or query below for personalized guidance!

Sources: health.py.gov.in, hospitals.pmjay.gov.in, jipmer.edu.in, nmcpondy.com, eastcoasthospitals.com, The Hindu, Practo