The Government Medical College, Patiala, established on September 29, 1953, is the second oldest medical college in Punjab, India. Originally proposed in October 1951 under the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) government, its foundation stone was laid by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. The college was the first medical institution in the erstwhile PEPSU state, a separate entity from Punjab at the time, serving a population of over two million. The inauguration of the college's attached Rajendra Hospital was conducted by Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1954. Named after Maharaja Sir Rajinder Singh, Rajendra Hospital was initially a 500-bed facility, now expanded to accommodate 1009 beds along with an additional 121-bed Tuberculosis (TB) Hospital.

Affiliated with Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Government Medical College, Patiala offers a variety of academic programs. These include undergraduate courses such as MBBS with an intake of 225 students annually, postgraduate courses with 144 seats, as well as specialized programs like MSc in Biochemistry and Anatomy, BSc Nursing, Post Basic Nursing, BSc Medical in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, DMLT, and D-Pharmacy. The college emphasizes a comprehensive medical education, integrating both basic and clinical sciences.

The college's infrastructure is robust, featuring well-designed lecture theatres equipped with modern audio-visual aids and spacious, well-lit classrooms. The Rajindra Hospital, integral to the college, provides practical clinical training to students. The hospital is well-equipped with state-of-the-art medical apparatus and houses several super specialty departments including Cardiology, Urology, Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Intensive Care Units (ICU). The Radiation Oncology department is particularly noteworthy, offering advanced treatments such as 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D CRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), and Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) using a True Beam Linear Accelerator and CT Simulator.

Government Medical College, Patiala, also boasts extensive facilities for student accommodation and extracurricular activities. There are multiple hostels for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, a spacious auditorium, large playgrounds, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a college canteen. The college library is a separate building within the campus, equipped with an IT Cell to support digital learning resources.

In addition to its academic and clinical offerings, the college has several research initiatives and specialized centers. The Tuberculosis Centre, known as Padma Shri Dr. Khushdeva Singh Chest Diseases Hospital, serves as a Zonal Task Force Centre for North India, playing a crucial role in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). The college is also actively involved in de-addiction programs, and houses an Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Center, EDUSET, Telemedicine facilities, and various other specialized units.

Overall, Government Medical College, Patiala, stands as a premier medical institution in Punjab, known for its rich history, comprehensive educational programs, advanced medical facilities, and significant contributions to healthcare and medical research. The institution continues to uphold its motto, emphasizing the importance of understanding both disease and medicine to cultivate wise and skilled physicians.