Doesn’t St. Stephen’s Hospital have an incredible story to tell after all these years? This institution stands as one of Delhi’s oldest and largest private hospitals. St. Stephen’s Hospital was established in 1885. It has been a beacon of hope and healing for generations.
St. Stephen’s Hospital began modestly. It started as a dispensary in 1876 by the Delhi Female Medical Mission. The location was on the banks of the Yamuna River. The hospital officially opened in 1885 in Chandni Chowk. Lady Dufferin the Vicereine of India inaugurated the facility. Initially, it had only 50 beds. It was Delhi’s first hospital dedicated to women and children.
The Delhi Female Medical Mission dreamed of operating a hospital. St. Stephen’s Hospital for Women and Children was founded. It honored Priscilla Winter, the mission’s founder. By the late 1890s, the hospital served many. Around 600 to 700 patients were treated in the hospital. 15000 received care at dispensaries. 1200 were reached through home visits.
The hospital was known for its hygiene and discipline. Resources and staff were initially scarce. Things improved significantly by 1891. St. Stephen’s Hospital hired its first female doctor, Jenny Muller. She was of Indian-German origin. Jenny had studied at the London School of Medicine for Women. In 1893, Mildred Staley became the second female doctor.
Lady Dufferin opened the initial hospital building. The foundation stone for the new building at Tis Hazari was laid in 1906. The new St. Stephen’s Hospital opened there in 1909. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the maternity block at the Tis Hazari campus in 1969. She was the Prime Minister of India at the time. In 1972, V. V. Giri laid the foundation for the General Hospital. He was the President of India. Indira Gandhi opened it in 1976. The mother and child block was later named after Dr. Lucy Oommen. She was the first Indian medical director and a Padma Shri awardee. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam presented her the award.
The postal department issued a commemorative stamp in 1985. It featured the central hospital building. The first-day cover showed the original hospital in Chandni Chowk.
St. Stephen’s Hospital has always been a teaching institution. It began training Indian women as nurses in 1867. Alice Wilkinson started the nursing school. She was the first trained British nurse at the hospital in 1908. Alice became the hospital’s nursing superintendent. She founded the Trained Nurse’s Association of India. She served as its secretary until 1948.
Today, St. Stephen’s Hospital offers many specialties. These include cardiology, surgery, and pediatrics. The hospital also provides training programs. These programs are in various specialties and super-specialties. They are affiliated with the National Board of Examinations. The Medical Council of India recognizes them.
St. Stephen’s Hospital has a rich history of research. Publications from the hospital date back to 1894. Today, St. Stephen’s Hospital stands as a testament. It shows dedication to healthcare and community service. The motto “In Love Serve One Another” guides its mission. St. Stephen’s Hospital continues to evolve. It addresses the changing healthcare needs of Delhi.
Currently, St. Stephen’s Hospital has a capacity of over 501 beds. It operates as a super-specialty tertiary care center. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities. These include imaging modalities, operation theaters, and ICUs. The laboratories provide 24-hour emergency services. St. Stephen’s Hospital is also recognized for its ethical and patient-centered approach. It provides care to all. The hospital provides psychological support. It also has support groups for psoriasis, vitiligo and alopecia. These meetings are held on the second Saturday every month. The hospital also runs an Artificial Limb Centre. This started 25 years ago in 1997.
So, as we stand before St. Stephen’s Hospital, we recognize its enduring legacy. It is a story of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment. The hospital has a big impact on Delhi.