The above is a photo feature from the 1920s on Delhi’s Lady Hardinge Medical College. Established in 1916 as a women-only medical institution, the college was founded by Lady Hardinge, the wife of then Viceroy George Hardinge. For a brief period the college was also considered as a potential 'All India Institute' for medical training.
By 1948, following India's independence, the newly formed central government was faced with the daunting task of expanding healthcare access across the country. Healthcare infrastructure had been severely neglected under British rule, and the financial situation was dire. The massive influx of refugees after Partition added further strain, raising urgent questions about how both provincial and central authorities could manage public health.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Health made budgetary provisions to bring Lady Hardinge Medical College under central administration, envisioning it as a temporary 'All India Institute' for the training of health professionals. This was seen as an interim solution, as the Government of India aspired to establish a purpose-built All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi—but lacked the funds to launch the project immediately.
Ultimately, AIIMS was officially established in 1961, in line with the recommendations of the Bhore Committee report of 1943. Lady Hardinge College carried on its operations eventually coming under the remit of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the 1970s.
Reference: A.S Mehta, 'India's Progress on the Health Front', Aug 15, 1949, Times of India, pg. 2
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