Our Milestones
Over 140 years of faith, service, and compassionate healthcare — from a small dispensary in 1885 to the trusted institution St. Barnabas Hospital is today.
1885
Year Founded
141+
Years of Service
1922
Named St. Barnabas
2013
Modern ICU Inaugurated
Health Services Begin
Rev. Arthur Longsdail commenced health services in and around Ranchi.
Dispensary Established
A small dispensary was started to serve the local community.
First Inpatient Ward
Ms. Luisa Ingle opened a ward for inpatients.
Dublin University Mission Assistance
Dublin University Mission began to assist in medical work at Ranchi. Dr. K. W. S. Kennedy, M. S. E. Poole, Dr. Arith Kachhap, and Ms. Amrita Bodra offered their valuable services by conducting surgeries and assisting in nursing service.
Named St. Barnabas Hospital
On June 11, the hospital was named St. Barnabas Hospital. Nursing staff started wearing uniform. Lt. Col. Murray (Civil Surgeon), Dr. Peter Kachhap, Edith Mc Donald, and Dr. & Mrs. Kingsley Douncy contributed to St. Barnabas Hospital in all possible ways.
Operation Theater Built
Operation theater was constructed.
Major Hospital Expansion
Under the leadership of Dr. Douncy, Nurses home, Doctors' bungalow, OPD, 4 private rooms, male and female wards, and mortuary were constructed. The Countess of Dufferin, the wife of the Viceroy, donated the female ward.
Converted to Military Hospital
World War II broke out. The British army took over the hospital and converted it to a military hospital.
Post-War Transition
The army vacated the hospital. Inpatient numbers reduced.
Support from St. Columbus Hospital
Doctors from St. Columbus Hospital, Hazaribagh rendered their services at St. Barnabas Hospital.
Present Hospital Constructed
Dr. P. N. Mathew took the leadership of the hospital. With funds from OXFAM, the present hospital was constructed.
New Structures Added
Dr. Arnold Eates took over the leadership from Dr. P. N. Mathew. New structures like OPD, laboratory, dispensary, and administrative office were added.
Nursing Program Launched
Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery program was started under the guidance of Dr. Arnold Eates. Ms. Biswasi Khalkho was appointed as Principal in-charge of the school. Ms. Serina Kachhap took over the leadership of the School as its first full-fledged Principal.
Centenary Year
Centenary Year. The School of Nursing was named after its founder — Dr. Arnold Eates School of Nursing.
Dr. Udit Ekka Leads the Hospital
Dr. Arnold Eates passed away. Dr. Udit Ekka took over the leadership as Medical Superintendent and remained in the chair till 2006. During his tenure, the present student nurses hostel was built with the assistance of the Welfare Department, Government of Jharkhand.
Hospital Society Takes Charge
Hospital Society took over the charge of running the hospital under the guidance and support of Rt. Rev. B. B. Baskey, Bishop of Chotanagpur. Dr. Kenneth Soymurum, a well-known surgeon from Ranchi, took over the leadership as Medical Superintendent. Hospital functioning improved and inpatient numbers gradually started increasing. Mr. Vijay Lakra and Dr. Lily Lakra established a Dental unit in memory of their son, Late Dr. Vishal Lakra.
Expanded Services & Nursing Programs
Inpatient numbers gradually started increasing. Hospital Society resolved to start degree nursing programs (Basic B.Sc Nursing and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing). Application for No Objection Certificate was submitted to the Government of Jharkhand. Physiotherapy department was established with the help of St. Paul's Church, Ranchi. RDCIS (SAIL, Ranchi) donated Colour Doppler and Ventilator.
Modern ICU & Dementia Care
New modern ICU was constructed with assistance from MECON Ltd., Ranchi, and inaugurated on April 10, 2013. Dementia care center was started on June 11, 2013. Roof repair was completed with donation from St. Paul College, Ranchi.
Compiled by S. Arohan (Administrator), St. Barnabas Hospital, Ranchi
Building a Healthier Future Together
Our journey continues as we honour our heritage since 1885, strengthen our services, and deepen our commitment to compassionate healthcare for the people of Ranchi and Jharkhand.