Choosing a hospital is easier when you compare facts you can verify. This guide explains what to check before you decide: accreditation, departments, equipment, the treating doctor’s registration, and fees. It is general health information and not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.
Medically Reviewed By
Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian – 60+ years of experience
Medical Director / Senior Consultant / HoD, Sr. Medical Oncologist
MD, MRCP (UK)
VS Hospitals, Chennai.
Last reviewed: Oct 23, 2026.
Is there an official ranking of hospitals in India?
There is no single official government ranking of hospitals in India. Media and survey-based lists use different methods, so they can give different results. A more reliable approach is to check each hospital’s accreditation, departments and fees directly.
1. Check accreditation
- NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) accredits hospitals in India against defined quality and patient safety standards.
- JCI (Joint Commission International) is an international accreditation that some hospitals also hold.
- Accreditation status can be confirmed on the accrediting body’s website. Ask the hospital for its certificate number and validity date.
2. Check that the department you need exists
Hospitals differ in the departments they run. Before booking, confirm that the hospital has the specialty you need, for example oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, or gastroenterology, and that the department operates at the location you plan to visit.
3. Check the treating doctor’s registration
Every practising doctor in India must be registered with a State Medical Council or the National Medical Register. Ask for the doctor’s qualifications and registration number. A hospital’s doctor directory should list these.
4. Understand the equipment and technology
Hospitals may list equipment such as robotic surgical systems, radiation therapy machines and imaging facilities. Whether a particular technology suits your condition is a medical decision. Ask your doctor about the benefits, risks and alternatives of each option for your case.
5. Ask for fees in writing
Treatment costs depend on the condition, the procedure, the type of room, the length of stay and any complications. Ask the hospital for:
- A written estimate of the expected charges
- What the estimate includes and excludes
- Whether your insurance or government scheme is accepted
- Charges for consultation, investigations and room category
6. Look at emergency and support services
If you may need urgent care, check whether the hospital has round-the-clock emergency services, critical care and diagnostics. Ask about support for patients travelling from other cities or countries, such as help with records and appointments.
What Hospitals Do
Hospitals provide diagnosis and treatment, emergency care, surgery, critical care, rehabilitation and preventive health check-ups. Many also train doctors and nurses and take part in research.
VS Hospitals, Chennai: facts at a glance
Accreditation: NABH accredited. Current status can be checked on the NABH website.
Departments:
- Oncology (medical, surgical and radiation oncology)
- Gastroenterology
- Orthopaedics
- Pulmonology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- ENT
- Neurology
- Urology
- Cardiology
- Surgical specialties
- Critical care
- Diagnostics and imaging
Equipment and facilities:
- SSI Mantra robotic surgical system
- VELYS robotic assisted knee replacement system
- Radiation therapy facilities
- Diagnostic and imaging facilities
Services:
- Multidisciplinary tumour board meetings
- Cancer support and rehabilitation services
- International patient support
Emergency services: 24 hours at all three branches. Emergency number: +91 99622 42000
Locations:
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| VS Hospitals, Kilpauk | 815/306, Poonamallee High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai 600010 |
| VS Hospitals, Chetpet | 13, E Spur Tank Road, Chetpet, Chennai 600031 |
| VS Hospitals, Tondiarpet | 58, 60, No. 3, Surya Narayana Chetty Street, 8th Block, Nagoor Garden, Tondiarpet, Chennai 600081 |
Departments and services vary by branch. Please confirm with the hospital before visiting.
Doctors:
| Doctor | Qualifications | Specialty | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian | MD, MRCP (UK) | Medical Oncology | Chetpet |
| Prof. Dr. S. Sundar | MBBS, MS (Ortho), FIGOF (Germany) | Orthopaedics (Joint Replacement and Bone Tumour Surgery) | Kilpauk |
For consultation timings and appointments, visit vshospitals.com/doctors.
Types of hospitals in India
Knowing the type of hospital helps you set the right expectations.
- Government hospitals are run by the central or state government. Treatment is free or low cost. Waiting times can be longer because of high patient numbers.
- Medical college hospitals are attached to medical colleges. They often see complex cases and have many specialists. Doctors in training may be part of your care team, working under senior doctors.
- Private multispecialty hospitals offer many departments under one roof. They are useful when a condition affects more than one organ or needs several specialists working together.
- Single specialty hospitals focus on one area, such as eye care, cancer care or maternity. They may suit patients who need care in only that area.
- Trust and charitable hospitals are run by non profit organisations. Many offer lower fees for patients who need financial support.
Conclusion
Choosing a hospital is an important decision, and it is easier when you compare facts you can check. Look at accreditation, the departments available, the treating doctor’s registration, insurance acceptance and a written cost estimate. Ask questions until you understand your treatment options, the risks and the expected costs. You also have the right to a second opinion before any planned treatment.
To speak with a specialist at VS Hospitals, Chennai, visit vshospitals.com/doctors or call +91 74488 50500. For emergencies, call +91 99622 42000.
