Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai  is one  of the premier Medical Universities of India  named after the former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, late Dr. M.G.Ramachandran (M.G.R) and it  is the second largest Health Sciences University in India. And is the only Medical University in Tamilnadu capable of granting affiliation to new medical and paramedical colleges,  government or self - financing; and awarding degrees  (until 1988, all degrees of Health Sciences were awarded by the University of Madras).

The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University Act, 1987 (Act No.37 of 1987) received the assent of the President of India in, 1987. By Act No.9 of 1991, it was ordered that the Act may be called the Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, Act, 1987. This affiliating University started functioning from 1988 and is governed by the said Act.