Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades

Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, is France's foremost pediatric hospital and one of the most respected children's medical centers in the world. Established in 1802, it is the oldest children's hospital in France and holds a storied place in the history of pediatric medicine. The hospital is part of AP-HP (Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris), Europe's largest hospital system.

Necker-Enfants Malades is both a pediatric and adult hospital, but it is primarily known for its exceptional pediatric services. The hospital serves as a national and European reference center for rare diseases, treating children with complex conditions that few other institutions in the world can address. It is home to the Imagine Institute, a world-class research facility dedicated to genetic diseases, which brings together over 900 researchers, clinicians, and engineers working to understand and treat rare genetic conditions.

France's healthcare system — ranked number one globally by the World Health Organization — provides a robust framework of clinical excellence and universal access that underpins the hospital's mission. Necker-Enfants Malades is a pioneer in pediatric organ transplantation, having performed France's first pediatric kidney transplant and remaining a leading center for pediatric liver, kidney, and heart transplants. The hospital's immunology department has made groundbreaking contributions to gene therapy research, including some of the world's first successful gene therapy treatments for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), commonly known as "bubble boy disease."

As a university hospital affiliated with Université Paris Cité, Necker-Enfants Malades combines clinical care with world-leading research and medical education, training the next generation of pediatric specialists and contributing to medical advances that benefit children globally.

Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades receives families from around the world seeking care for children with rare, complex, or life-threatening conditions. Through the AP-HP international patient office, the hospital provides comprehensive support for families traveling to Paris for their child's treatment. Services include pre-arrival medical evaluation and consultation with specialists, coordination of multi-disciplinary treatment plans, assistance with travel logistics and visa documentation, and interpreter services.

The hospital's social services team is particularly experienced in supporting international families, providing guidance on accommodation near the hospital, helping families navigate the French healthcare system, and offering psychological support during extended treatment stays. Paris's excellent international connectivity via Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports ensures that families can reach Necker-Enfants Malades from virtually anywhere in the world. Costs for international patients are transparent and communicated in advance through the AP-HP international office.