Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) 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 the Government of India. This Medical College was later upgraded into Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). In the year 2008, JIPMER was declared an Institution of National Importance by an Act of the Indian Parliament. The three main functions of this Institute are:

• To impart quality education in undergraduate and postgraduate medical and paramedical courses
• To set trends in medical research, and
• To offer patient care of high order.