Credit: Sugandh Khandelwal
The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) is a network of super-specialty hospitals founded by Sri SathyaSai Baba, dedicated to providing high-quality medical carefree of charge. These hospitals offer a wide range of services in specialties such asophthalmology,cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, urology, and more, using state-of-the-art medical technology. Every year, thousands of patients get free treatment at the state-of-the-art healthcare facilities run under the aegis of SSSIHMS.
There are two major hospitals under this institute: SSSIHMS,Prasanthigram in (Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh) and SSSIHMS, Whitefield in (Bengaluru, Karnataka).The hospitals are part of the Sri SathyaSai Central Trust, which supports various health, education, and social welfare initiatives globally, guided by the principle of selfless service.
The SSSIHMS stands as a beacon of humanitarian healthcare, emphasizing human values and treating all individuals with dignity and respect.Subsequently the Sri SathyaSai World Foundation (SSSWF) was formed as per divine directive in 2006. The announcement was published in the March 2006 SanathanaSarathi: “By the divine command of Bhagawan Sri SathyaSai Baba, the Sri SathyaSai World Foundation will henceforth assume responsibility for the governance of all functions of the SSSIO.
The foundation will work together with the Prasanthi Council to accomplish the administration of these Organizations.” The SSSWF is registered as a 501(c)(3) public charitable foundation in California, USA. It supports the humanitarian relief projects and other works of the SSSIO around the world.
Two DNB Trainees of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram, Puttaparthi have secured the National Board of Examinations, Gold Medals for the year 2020. Dr. Yogi Sundar Rao Chaganti topped in the Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgery stream, while Dr. AnujDumra came first in the Urology stream. The Urology Gold medal is named after Dr. H S Bhatt, considered a doyen of Urology in India, who had set up the Department of Urology at the SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram.
The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) marked two significant advancements with the major upgraded software called Athma which aims to enhance patient care by streamlining administrative processes, improving data management, and facilitating efficient coordination between departments. Another major addition is the high-capacity generator that ensures uninterrupted power supply to the hospital, supporting critical medical equipment and operations, especially during power outages.These developments reinforce SSSIHMS’s commitment to delivering seamless, high-quality healthcare services.
The department of ophthalmology began functioning on 23 of November 1994 with the blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It was set up with the vision to make available the finest in eye care in the world to its patients totally free of cost.
The department has a modern operation theatre complex with three operation theatres, an advanced laser unit and other various other state of the art equipment for delivering quality patient care.It provides a range of services, including diagnosis and treatment of primary and secondary glaucomas, utilizing facilities like Humphrey visual field testing and laser procedures. The department also handles various types of cataracts with surgical options such as Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) and Phacoemulsification and is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as the IOL master, anterior segment OCT, and fundus photography.
Sri SathyaSai Central Trust Offers Free Services to Thousands
The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust is a non-profit organization established by Sri Sathya Sai Baba in 1972. It serves as the primary governing body for various humanitarian, healthcare, educational, and spiritual initiatives inspired by his teachings and vision. The trust is headquartered in PrasanthiNilayam, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, and is recognized globally for its selfless service and charitable activities.
| Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital Whitefield Cumulative Statistics from 1976 to Nov 2024 | ||
| SPECIALTY/YEAR | 2023-24 | TOTAL |
| Outpatients | 143741 | 3908203 |
| In patients | ||
| Total admissions | 4526 | 74994 |
The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) primarily focuses on providing free tertiary medical care through its hospitals in Puttaparthi and Bangalore. While the institute itself does not regularly organize medical camps, the broader Sri SathyaSai Organization conducts numerous medical camps worldwide. For instance, during the 2019–2020 period, the organization held medical camps in various countries, including South Africa, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and others, serving thousands of patients.
It oversees a wide range of charitable initiatives, including free services through super-specialty hospitals (SSSIHMS Prasanthigram& Whitefield), general hospitals, and mobile medical units providing free, values-based education through institutions under the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL). Implemented large-scale drinking water projects, such as the Anantapur Water Supply Project, benefitting millions of people in arid regions of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.The trust also promotes spiritual growth through bhajans, meditation sessions, and festivals at the PrasanthiNilayam Ashram. Guided by the motto “Love All, Serve All”, the trust is globally recognized for its transparent,selfless service and dedication to humanity.
Expanding Horizons and Transforming 6,000 Villages for a Brighter Future
In alignment with Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (SSSSO) India has initiated the adoption of 6,000 villages under the Sri Sathya Sai Grama Seva program. This initiative aims to transform these villages into ideal communities by addressing challenges such as illiteracy, illness, malnutrition, poverty, unemployment, and poor hygiene.
Each Samithi (local unit) is encouraged to adopt at least one village, tailoring development programs to the specific needs of the community. The focus areas include providing medical camps and health education. Establishing BalVikas (child development) programs and adult literacy classes as well as improving hygiene practices and sanitation facilities.The Trust has undertaken major infrastructure projects to provide potable water to regions facing scarcity. Notably, the Anantapur district project serves over 1.25 million people, with expansions in Medak and Mahabubnagar districts benefiting an additional 1 million individuals.
