About Moses Gnanabaranam Eye Hospital
A Legacy of Vision and Service Since 1928
Moses Gnanabaranam Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, stands as a beacon of hope, healing, and dedication in the field of ophthalmology. Founded in 1928, the hospital has a rich legacy rooted in both medical excellence and humanitarian service.
Our story began when Rao Bahadur M.G. Arogyasamy Pillai, a visionary philanthropist, generously donated his palatial residence to the Swedish Mission (now the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church) to establish an eye hospital in memory of his father, Moses Gnanabaranam. This act of faith and compassion laid the foundation for a hospital that has served generations of patients with dedication.
Early Missionary Contributions
The hospital's formative years were shaped by the committed efforts of Christian missionaries, particularly Dr. Kugelberg from Sweden. Dr. Kugelberg’s pioneering ophthalmology work across India inspired many, including Dr. Gurubatham, who took charge of the hospital in 1929.
A true Gandhian and freedom fighter, Dr. Gurubatham infused the hospital with a spirit of selfless service. He later worked alongside Mahatma Gandhi on rural reconstruction efforts and even served as a Minister for Rural Work in the pre-independence Madras State Cabinet. His leadership gave the hospital a strong foundation both in medical care and in community service.
Leadership and Expansion under Dr. I. Pichai Robert
Following in his uncle’s footsteps, Dr. I. Pichai Robert, a dynamic and energetic leader, took over the hospital’s management in 1944. Serving as the Head until 1975, Dr. Robert significantly expanded the hospital’s reach and services.
He was instrumental in establishing the Podanur Eye Relief Home Complex, built on 12 acres of donated land, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Ramalingam Chettiar and support from the Indian Railways. The Eye Relief Home, inaugurated by Dr. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, then Union Minister of Health, became an important inpatient care center for the hospital.
Recognizing the need for specialized care, Dr. Pichai Robert also founded the School and Home for the Blind at Podanur, offering shelter and education to visually impaired children.
Adapting to Changing Medical Needs
With medical advancements like sutures reducing hospitalization time for eye patients, the Eye Relief Home campus eventually became non-functional for a period. However, the hospital continued to evolve, focusing on outpatient care, surgeries, and community outreach.
The tireless work of Dr. Pichai Robert, Dr. Kandasamy, and many other dedicated professionals has ensured that Moses Gnanabaranam Eye Hospital remains a trusted institution known for its humanitarian values, affordable care, and commitment to excellence.
Our Commitment Today
Today, we continue to honor the legacy of our founders by providing compassionate, high-quality eye care to all sections of society, staying true to our mission:
"Service to Humanity in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ."