St George Hospital

Gazing at the stately facade of St George Hospital, one can almost hear the echoes of centuries past. Originally called the European General Hospital, St George Hospital stands as a testament to the ever-evolving city of Mumbai. The hospital’s story begins in the late 17th century, shortly after the death of Mumbai’s first governor, Sir George Oxendon, in 1669. His successor, Gerald Aungier, a visionary leader, moved the headquarters from Surat to Mumbai in 1672. Aungier initiated numerous reforms, including the construction of Fort George to bolster Mumbai’s defenses. A small section of this historic fort still exists, forming part of St George Hospital’s eastern boundary wall. This connection to the fort is why the surrounding area is known as “Fort”. The Court of Directors officially approved the hospital’s construction in 1675. Interestingly, the initially planned building was never realized. Instead, a new Court of Judicature was built in the bazaar marketplace. The former court, located southeast of the present-day Cooperage, was converted into a hospital in 1677. Fast forward to December 20, 1892. A fully modernized and well-equipped St George Hospital opened its doors to the public. This marked a pivotal moment in the hospital’s history, transitioning from an exclusive European facility to one serving all of Mumbai. Today, St George Hospital continues its mission as a vital part of the Sir JJ Group of Hospitals. It is a government-run, free hospital with approximately 460 beds. It is linked with Grant Medical College, providing clinical training to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It even houses a dedicated ward for seamen, a nod to Mumbai’s rich maritime history. St George Hospital is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living chronicle of Mumbai’s past and a symbol of its enduring spirit.