Top 5 Best Hospitals in Kolkata

by

Kolkata, one of India’s major metro cities, has grown into a prominent healthcare hub for Eastern and Northeastern India. With a mix of government, charitable, and private super-specialty hospitals, patients have many choices depending on need, budget, and urgency. Here are five of the best hospitals in Kolkata, with detailed profiles.

1. IPGMER & SSKM Hospital (Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research & SSKM, often called “PG Hospital”)

Type: Government / Tertiary care + Teaching hospital
Location: Kolkata

What makes it special:

  • One of the largest in Eastern India, with massive bed strength (around 2,000 beds).
  • Offers almost all major specialties—general medicine, surgery, trauma/emergency care, critical care, etc.
  • As a government institution, its services are much more affordable than private super-specialty hospitals.
  • Recent expansions and new blocks have added modern facilities to bridge the gap with private hospitals.

When to choose this hospital:

  • If cost is a constraint, but you still need serious care.
  • In emergencies where location and immediate availability are important.
  • For treatment under government welfare schemes.

2. Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI)

Type: Government specialist cancer hospital & research institute
Location: Hazra & New Town campuses, Kolkata

What makes it special:

  • A regional cancer centre with specialized infrastructure for cancer diagnosis, treatment, radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.
  • Established in 1950, it has decades of experience and is well known for cancer care in the region.

When to choose this hospital:

  • If you need cancer treatment (surgical, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy).
  • When research-based protocols or oncology-specialist teams are important.
  • If you prefer government hospital costs for oncology care.

3. Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute (SGCC&RI)

Type: Non-profit / Charitable Specialist Cancer Hospital
Location: Thakurpukur, Kolkata

What makes it special:

  • Offers comprehensive cancer care—surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy—in a charitable model.
  • Around 300+ beds with experienced oncologists and supporting staff.
  • Provides affordable treatment for patients compared to private hospitals.

When to choose this hospital:

  • If the treatment is oncology-related and budget is a concern.
  • If you prefer a hospital that offers charitable support or subsidies.
  • For patients who value focused cancer care from specialists.

4. Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RTIICS)

Type: Private / Quaternary-care multi-speciality hospital (part of Narayana Health)
Location: Mukundapur, Kolkata

What makes it special:

  • Especially known for cardiac care, but also offers a wide range of specialties.
  • Large hospital with hundreds of beds, multiple operation theatres, advanced cardiac cath labs, and modern ICUs.
  • Accredited with quality certifications ensuring high standards of treatment.

When to choose this hospital:

  • For cardiac surgeries, interventions, or complex heart conditions.
  • For advanced diagnostics, robotic surgeries, and private hospital amenities.
  • If you want quicker service and comfort, even at a higher cost.

5. Desun Hospital

Type: Private multispecialty / super-specialty hospital
Location: Kasba Golpark, Kolkata

What makes it special:

  • Offers multiple specialties including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and critical care.
  • Around 750 beds with strong ICU and emergency facilities.
  • Provides modern patient-friendly infrastructure with private hospital comfort.

When to choose this hospital:

  • For multispecialty treatment with good facilities and mid-range cost.
  • When you prefer a private hospital experience but not the highest-end expenses.
  • For emergencies, surgeries, or long-term treatment with comfort.

Other Notable Hospitals

Apart from the top five, several other hospitals in Kolkata are highly reputed:

  • Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals – Strong in multi-specialty and super-specialty care.
  • AMRI Hospitals (now part of Manipal Hospitals) – Multiple campuses with modern facilities.
  • Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Mukundapur – Known for critical care and advanced diagnostics.
  • Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) – Popular for diagnostics and general multi-specialty care.

How to Choose the Best Hospital

  • Specialty Needed: Cancer cases should go to CNCI or SGCC; cardiac issues to RTIICS; general emergency to PG Hospital.
  • Budget: Government and charitable hospitals are cheaper, while private ones cost more but offer comfort and faster service.
  • Location: In emergencies, proximity matters. Choose the nearest hospital with the right facilities.
  • Accreditation: NABH/NABL accredited hospitals ensure higher safety and hygiene standards.
  • Amenities: If long-term stay is required, private hospitals provide better comfort, privacy, and food options.

Conclusion

  • For affordable and wide-ranging treatment, IPGMER & SSKM (PG Hospital) is the best choice.
  • For cancer treatment, CNCI and SGCC&RI are highly recommended.
  • For cardiac care, RTIICS is among the finest in Eastern India.
  • For multispecialty private care with modern infrastructure, Desun, Apollo, AMRI, or Medica are excellent choices.

Leave a Comment