About National Heart Institute (NHI) – Background & Overview

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…. And that step was taken in 1981, when the National Heart Institute (NHI) was established as the nation’s first dedicated cardiac care institute and the first private-sector cardiac catheterization laboratory outside the ‘developed world’ at that time.

Conceived by the legendary physician Dr. Paul Dudley White and India’s pioneer in cardiology, late Dr. S. Padmavati, National Heart Institute was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi as the Clinical Research and Medical Care Delivery Wing of the All-India Heart Foundation (AIHF). The Institute was established with a mandate to provide high-quality medical care to patients with paying capacity and to utilize surplus resources to support treatment for economically weaker sections. The NABH and NABL accredited National Heart Institute is today recognized nationally for its standards of quality, clinical excellence, and patient-centered cardiac care.

The Institute was created with a unique mandate to provide high-quality cardiac care to those with paying capacity and to utilize the surplus generated to support treatment for the underprivileged. This model has enabled NHI to combine clinical excellence with a strong commitment to social responsibility.

Over the years, NHI has developed into a leading center for comprehensive cardiac and lifestyle-related care, preventive healthcare, and medical research. The Institute provides advanced cardiac services including open heart surgeries, coronary artery bypass surgery, angiography, angioplasty, and other specialized cardiac treatments. It also offers comprehensive medical check-ups at nominal rates to promote early detection, preventive care, and overall wellness.

NHI follows an integrated, multi-specialty approach, ensuring that cardiac patients with associated medical conditions receive coordinated care. Specialists across disciplines are available round the clock to provide comprehensive consultation and treatment.

Accredited by NABH and NABL, NHI is widely recognized for its quality standards and patient-centered care. The Institute is empanelled with major government health schemes including CGHS, Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY, ESI, and ECHS. It is also empanelled with the Governments of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, and the Government of NCT of Delhi.

In addition, NHI is recognized by the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, and the Directorate General of Medical Services, Naval Headquarters for treatment of their employees and families. More than 175 public sector bodies, almost all Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), and international organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF are also empanelled with the National Heart Institute.

Through its strong foundation in clinical care, research, and preventive health, NHI continues to play a significant role in improving cardiovascular and lifestyle disease outcomes in India and beyond.