Healthcare in Himachal Pradesh has seen tremendous growth over the decades, but the foundation of this journey dates back to colonial times, when the British established the first formal medical institution in the region—Ripon Hospital in Shimla. Built in 1885, during the peak of British colonial rule, Ripon Hospital was the first structured healthcare facility in the hill state, marking the beginning of institutional medical care in what was then a sparsely populated and geographically challenging region.
Shimla, by the mid-1800s, had already gained prominence as the summer capital of British India. The cool climate and picturesque landscape attracted British officials seeking respite from the scorching plains. With this growing influx of colonial administrators and their families, there arose a pressing need for reliable healthcare infrastructure. Diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, and pneumonia were rampant, and the need for medical facilities that could cater to the European population was immediate. In this backdrop, Ripon Hospital was established and named after Lord Ripon, the then Viceroy of India (1880–1884), who was known for his progressive policies and reformative mindset.
The hospital was strategically located just below The Ridge in central Shimla, making it easily accessible for the British officers residing in the town’s upper regions. The building’s architecture reflected typical British colonial design—solid stone structures, large windows, sloping roofs, and airy verandahs—crafted to withstand the cold and damp conditions of the hills. Its well-planned layout and spacious wards distinguished it as a modern medical institution of its time.
Initially, Ripon Hospital primarily catered to the British population, with limited facilities available to the local Indian population. However, as time progressed, access was gradually extended to Indian residents, especially those who served in the British administration. The hospital soon became a vital center for medical care in the region, treating a wide range of ailments from routine fevers to serious injuries and infectious diseases. It also played an important role in maternity care and surgeries, laying the foundation for modern medical practices in the region.
Another crucial role played by Ripon Hospital was during epidemics. Shimla, despite its relatively clean environment, was not immune to the spread of diseases. During influenza outbreaks and cholera scares, Ripon Hospital served as the front-line defense in the town’s medical response. It was equipped with trained British and Anglo-Indian doctors, nurses, and attendants, many of whom were sent from Calcutta or Bombay. The hospital also had a functioning pharmacy, surgical units, and basic diagnostic equipment for its time, making it a comprehensive care center in the mountains.
After India gained independence in 1947, the hospital underwent a significant transformation. It was renamed Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) in honor of Kamala Nehru, the wife of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Post-renaming, the hospital gradually shifted its focus toward serving the general public, especially women and children, and evolved into a specialized institution for maternal and child healthcare. Its importance continued to grow with the establishment of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in 1966, with which it later became affiliated as a teaching hospital.
Today, Kamla Nehru Hospital stands not just as a healthcare facility but as a living monument to Himachal Pradesh’s medical history. It is equipped with modern amenities and continues to serve thousands of patients annually. From handling childbirths to conducting pediatric surgeries and offering gynecological services, the hospital has expanded its scope tremendously. It also supports medical students and interns from IGMC who gain hands-on training in its wards, thus carrying forward its legacy into the future of medical education.
The journey of Ripon Hospital, from its colonial inception to its current form as Kamla Nehru Hospital, reflects the broader transformation of Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare landscape. What began as an exclusive medical institution for the British elite has now become a people-centric facility focused on public health and medical education. This evolution mirrors the larger story of India’s shift from colonial dependence to self-reliance, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.
Moreover, the building itself, despite renovations and modern interventions, still retains elements of its colonial-era charm. For those walking down The Ridge or passing through the Lower Bazaar area of Shimla, the hospital’s stone façade, large arched windows, and steep-roofed silhouette remain a reminder of its deep-rooted history. It is one of the rare institutions in Himachal Pradesh where colonial history, medical heritage, and modern healthcare converge.
In conclusion, Ripon Hospital was not merely the first hospital in Himachal Pradesh—it was a cornerstone in the journey of institutional healthcare in the state. Its evolution into Kamla Nehru Hospital marks both continuity and change, showcasing how a colonial-era facility can be repurposed to serve independent India’s democratic and developmental goals. As Himachal Pradesh continues to grow in medical infrastructure and education, the story of Ripon Hospital serves as a reminder of where it all began—a legacy carved in stone, compassion, and service.
