Healthcare facilities play a critical role in every nation’s ability to maintain the health and well-being of its population. Among the thousands of hospitals around the world, a few stand out not only for their medical excellence but also for their extraordinary size. These mega-hospitals have thousands of beds, treat millions of patients annually, and operate on budgets larger than the GDPs of small nations. Often, they are teaching hospitals affiliated with major universities and serve as the epicenters for medical innovation and training. In this article, we will explore in-depth the top 10 biggest hospitals in the world based on bed capacity, operational scale, and influence in global healthcare.
First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
Located in the heart of Henan Province, China, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University has grown into the largest hospital in the world, boasting over 7,000 beds and occupying more than 300 acres of space. Established in 1928, it has transformed from a modest regional clinic into a state-of-the-art medical complex. It offers comprehensive healthcare services across nearly all medical disciplines, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, surgery, pediatrics, and reproductive health. Every year, this hospital receives upwards of 3 million outpatients and treats over 1.2 million inpatients. The hospital is also one of the top teaching centers in China, playing a pivotal role in training thousands of medical students, residents, and researchers. A particular point of pride is its investment in robotic surgery and artificial intelligence for diagnostics, signaling its ambition to stay at the forefront of global medical innovation.
National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo
The National Hospital of Sri Lanka, also known as the General Hospital Colombo, is not only the largest in Sri Lanka but also among the largest in Asia. Established in 1864, it has grown to accommodate more than 3,400 beds and employs over 7,500 staff, including 1,500 doctors. This institution serves as the final referral hospital for complex medical cases throughout the country, particularly in neurology, cardiac surgery, and orthopedics. It provides free healthcare services to citizens, which has made it a lifeline for many Sri Lankans. It also functions as a teaching hospital for the University of Colombo’s Faculty of Medicine. Besides offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, it has a well-equipped emergency treatment unit (ETU), numerous specialized ICUs, and one of the most advanced radiology departments in the region. Its high patient inflow and medical diversity make it a critical training ground for future healthcare professionals in the region.
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, South Africa
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere and the third-largest in the world, with around 3,200 beds and a sprawling campus that covers over 170 acres. Originally established during World War II in 1942 to serve British and Commonwealth soldiers, it has since become an essential part of South Africa’s public healthcare system. It serves the Soweto township and provides medical care to over 3.5 million people annually. The hospital is affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand and serves as a vital teaching institution for medical students, residents, and nurses. With departments ranging from internal medicine and pediatrics to forensic pathology and oncology, it plays a central role in public health, especially in the treatment of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Despite resource constraints, the hospital continues to deliver critical services, combining traditional medicine with modern practices to meet the healthcare needs of a large and diverse population.
Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade
The Clinical Center of Serbia, located in Belgrade, is the largest hospital in Europe and one of the largest in the world, with over 3,500 beds and a workforce exceeding 7,000 employees. Spread over more than 34 hectares, this massive medical complex comprises numerous clinical departments, specialist institutes, and research centers. It serves as the primary teaching hospital for the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Medicine and is a vital healthcare hub for patients not only in Serbia but also from neighboring Balkan countries. It performs over 50,000 surgeries annually and treats over a million patients. The hospital has recently undergone modernization, with major investments in diagnostic technologies, surgical infrastructure, and intensive care units. Its strengths lie in multidisciplinary care, especially in cardiovascular surgery, oncology, and trauma medicine. As a national reference center, it plays a pivotal role in setting medical standards and conducting clinical trials in Southeast Europe.
Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
Located in Taoyuan, Taiwan, the Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is a cornerstone of the Chang Gung Medical Foundation, one of the largest healthcare organizations in Asia. It has over 10,000 staff members and a bed capacity that exceeds 3,500, making it one of the largest privately-owned hospitals in the world. Founded in 1978, it rapidly evolved into a world-class medical institution, particularly known for its work in craniofacial surgery, organ transplants, and medical robotics. The hospital performs more than 1.2 million outpatient visits and nearly 40,000 surgical operations annually. It is affiliated with Chang Gung University and serves as a hub for advanced clinical research and education. In particular, the hospital has received global attention for its contributions to reconstructive surgery and facial transplant procedures. Its integration of Western medical practices with traditional Chinese medicine also offers a unique blend of treatment modalities that appeal to a diverse patient population.
Qasr El Ainy Hospital, Egypt
Situated in Cairo, Qasr El Ainy Hospital is one of the oldest and largest hospitals in the Middle East, with a history that dates back to 1827. Today, it functions under the administration of Cairo University and has more than 3,200 beds. The hospital is integral to Egypt’s healthcare system, treating millions of patients annually. Its facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, surgical theaters, and specialized centers for oncology, cardiology, and nephrology. Qasr El Ainy also serves as a medical school, offering undergraduate and postgraduate education to thousands of students. Its impact is far-reaching, with many of Egypt’s leading physicians and surgeons having trained there. Despite facing challenges related to infrastructure and patient load, the hospital has continuously evolved through collaborations with international health agencies and investments in modern medical equipment.
Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, India
Located in the union territory of Chandigarh, the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has grown into one of India’s most significant healthcare providers and teaching institutions. With a bed capacity exceeding 2,200 and rapidly expanding, GMCH is known for its patient-centered approach and commitment to medical education. It handles more than 1.5 million outpatients annually and is affiliated with Punjab University for academic programs. The hospital offers comprehensive medical services across multiple specialties including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and radiology. Over the years, it has earned a reputation for maintaining high clinical standards despite being a government-run institution. The hospital is also at the forefront of India’s push toward digital healthcare transformation, with initiatives in electronic health records, telemedicine, and AI-based diagnostic tools.
Bangkok Hospital, Thailand
Founded in 1972, Bangkok Hospital has developed into one of the largest hospital networks in Southeast Asia. While its main facility in Bangkok is not the largest by bed count alone—with around 2,000 beds—it stands out for its size as a private hospital and its international outreach. It caters to a vast number of international patients, making it a major player in global medical tourism. The hospital is known for its high-end diagnostic equipment, robotic surgery systems, and international patient services. It is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and provides a luxurious, hotel-like experience to patients. With a focus on cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and neurosurgery, it has positioned itself as a top-tier healthcare institution in Asia. Through its international collaborations and multilingual staff, Bangkok Hospital continues to attract patients from around the world seeking world-class healthcare.
Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is one of the most prestigious hospitals in the United States and one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, with more than 2,600 beds across multiple campuses. It is affiliated with two Ivy League medical schools—Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medical College. The hospital is known for its clinical excellence in nearly every medical specialty, including cardiology, cancer, neurology, and organ transplantation. It is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. Its infrastructure includes state-of-the-art intensive care units, transplant centers, and some of the most advanced robotic surgery suites in the world. With a staff of over 47,000 and an annual operating budget in the billions, NewYork-Presbyterian is a global leader in healthcare delivery, medical education, and biomedical research.
St. George’s Hospital, United Kingdom
Located in London, St. George’s Hospital is one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK, with over 1,300 beds and a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence. Affiliated with St. George’s University of London, the hospital plays a critical role in training doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals. It is one of the UK’s leading centers for trauma care, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosciences. Its modern facilities include an advanced imaging center, multiple operating theaters, and a dedicated helipad for air ambulance services. The hospital also has a strong research focus and participates in numerous clinical trials, particularly in genetics and infectious diseases. St. George’s is a cornerstone of the National Health Service (NHS) and continues to evolve as a center of innovation and patient care.