Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences has been established under the State Legislature Act in 1983 and is named after Sanjay Gandhi. It was created by the state of Uttar Pradesh as a centre of excellence for providing medical care, education and research of the highest order. The institute is situated on a 550 acres (2.2 square kilometres) campus at Raebareli Road, 15 km from the main city. Lucknow is located about 500 km east of New Delhi and is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow is famous for its Nawabi culture, Mughlai cuisine and intricate chikan work, a form of fine embroidery.

The Institute provides postgraduate training to medical and nonmedical professionals. The training programmes lead to D.M., M.Ch., M.D., PhD, postdoctoral fellowships, postdoctoral certificate courses in various disciplines. In addition, it offers senior residency training programmes. B.Sc. Nursing course and B.Sc. / M.Sc. paramedical technology courses in allied sciences are offered by the College of Medical Technology. The Institute is an autonomous body and awards degrees that are recognised by the Medical Council of India. The Institute functions as a State University and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities and is recognised by University Grants Commission.