Foundation stone for TB sanatorium at Puducherry was laid by Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India on 4th October 1955.It was opened by Shri S.L.Silam, LT.Governor, Puducherry on 5th Decmber 1963. Government Hospital for Chest Diseases is an Institution of State under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Puducherry.Dr.N.Selvaradja was first Medical Superintendent of Government chest diseases Hospital. He graduated in 1950 and proceeded to France for a post-graduation. After completing his post-graduation he returned to Pondicherry he worked as Medical officer in General hospital Pondicherry. In view of his specialization he was chosen to organize tuberculosis services. He became Medical Superintendent, TB Sanatorium in1963 and became Director of Health and Family Welfare Services in 1971.

Each state of India will have its own designated Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL), for the purposes of smear microscopy, laboratory QA activities within the respective state. The State TB Training and Demonstration Centres (STDCs) are to be made functional to act as the Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRLs) and it will be monitored by the respective designated National Reference Laboratory (NRL) and will undergo accreditation for sputum microscopy, Line probe Assay and mycobacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing on solid & liquid for first and second line drugs by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL).

Life sketches of the first medical superintendent Dr.N. Selvaradja of Government chest diseases Hospital. After getting his baccalaureate (French degree) he did his medical studies at Ecole de Medicine (upgraded latter as JIPMER). He graduated in 1950 and proceeded to France for a post-graduation. After completing down in Pondicherry.

• Tuberculosis (TB) Management: Comprehensive care for all forms of tuberculosis, including drug-resistant TB.

• Pulmonary Medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of various chest diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung diseases.

• Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL): A state-of-the-art facility for advanced TB diagnostics, including molecular testing and gene sequencing. Recognized as the best IRL in India, it conducts up to 1.2 lakh tests annually. 

• State TB Training and Demonstration Centre (STDC): Provides training and demonstration services for TB control programs.

The hospital adheres to national and international standards in TB care and pulmonary medicine. The Intermediate Reference Laboratory is accredited for sputum microscopy, line probe assay, and mycobacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing for both first and second-line drugs. The facility is monitored by the National Reference Laboratory and undergoes regular accreditation processes.

Vision: To eliminate tuberculosis and provide comprehensive pulmonary care to the community.

Mission: To deliver high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services for chest diseases through advanced diagnostics, patient-centered care, and continuous medical education.