The Kasturba Medical College at Manipal was established on June 30, 1953 by the late Dr. TMA Pai. Once the college came into existence, the need for a teaching hospital to provide clinical facilities to the students was felt. In 1960, that long felt need was fulfilled when the Medical Relief Society of South Kanara joined hands with the college in setting up a hospital in Manipal. It got started in May 1961, with 150 beds. Today, Kasturba Hospital has over 1600 beds.

The Kasturba Hospital is fully equipped with state-of-art diagnostic and therapeutic departments to facilitate treatment of a wide range of medical and surgical diseases. It is well- equipped for advanced and sophisticated surgeries such as coronary bypass and open heart surgery as well as kidney transplantation. The 280-bed cancer research hospital is situated adjacent to the main hospital.

The hospital caters to a large section of the population not only in and around Manipal but also neighbouring states such as Kerala, Goa etc. In addition to providing health care in the normal course to these people, the hospital also provides special health care schemes as Medicare and Manipal Health Plan. Kasturba hospital has been providing yeoman service to the people for nearly five decades in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.

Kasturba Hospital is an ISO 9001-2000 certified hospital and has emerged as a premier healthcare institution providing quality tertiary level care to patients both domestic and international. Kasturba Hospital is an associated hospital of the Manipal University. The hospital is recognised by both the Central and the State Governments and has a tie-up with a number of corporates.