The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University is the only Government Medical University in Tamil Nadu capable of granting affiliation to new medical and paramedical colleges, government or self - financing; and awarding degrees. Besides Medical and Paramedical courses, the University also regulates dental education and education in the Indian systems of medicine under a single umbrella to maintain uniform and high standards of education. The University also promotes research and disseminates knowledge gained therefrom. The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University Act, 1987 received the assent of the President of India on 24 September 1987. By 1991, it was ordered that the Act may be called the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai Act, 1987. This affiliating University started functioning from July 1988 and is governed by the said Act. The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University is situated in Guindy in the Southern part of the City of Chennai (formerly Madras) in the State of Tamil Nadu, South India; about 6 km from the Chennai International & National Airport and about 12 km from the Chennai Central Railway Station.