Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research originated as École de Médicine de Pondichérry established by the French Government in the year 1823.

This medical school was converted into Dhanvantari Medical College at the time of de facto transfer of Pondicherry to Government of India.

This Medical College was later upgraded into Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER).

JIPMER which includes a tertiary care referral hospital is an Institution of National Importance (an autonomous body) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Three main functions of this institute are,

• To impart quality education in Under-graduate and Post-graduate medical and paramedical courses;
• To set trends in medical research and
• To offer patient care of high order.