The General University Hospital in Prague is one of the most important healthcare institutions in the Czech Republic, with a tradition of academic medicine spanning more than 235 years. Since its establishment in 1790, it has been a major centre of healthcare, education and research. Together with the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, it provides a strong foundation for the education of future and practising physicians and other healthcare professionals.
A unique place in this history is occupied by the former Provincial Maternity Hospital in Apolinářská Street, which today houses the Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology of the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and the General University Hospital in PragueThe department is one of the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic and Europe. Its activities encompass gynaecology, obstetrics, anaesthesiology and a wide range of highly specialised fields, including perinatology and fetal medicine, neonatology, assisted reproduction, gynaecological oncology, urogynaecology and other specialist areas.
An important part of the department is the Gynaecological Oncology Centreone of the largest centres for the treatment of gynaecological malignancies in the Czech Republic and Europe. Each year, its physicians perform approximately 500 operations for malignant tumours, 500 procedures for precancerous lesions and 10,000 outpatient examinations. The centre is accredited by the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO).
Comprehensive care at the General University Hospital also includes the diagnosis of breast diseases. The V. Polak Breast Disease Diagnostic Centre is an accredited screening and diagnostic centre that also serves as a teaching and consultation facility. It offers modern diagnostic methods, including 3D mammography, contrast-enhanced mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy techniques.
Modern medicine, however, depends on more than the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. Its continued development also requires state-of-the-art medical equipment, support for education, science and research, and resources for projects that go beyond the standard funding available for healthcare.