Sanatoria - specialised institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis patients based on the idea of ‘good food, fresh air and strict medical control’ - which was a replica of the European model, were part of specific histories. While providing special care these also played a vital role in spreading the new medical knowledge, theories and technology. Various discourses and opinions evolved particularly on the site, resources and functions of these institutions. Western therapeutic practices specific to tuberculosis were operated in different ways. At one level, the therapeutic measures provided relief to the patients. At another level, they expressed different meanings through their discursive practices such as claiming hegemonic relations over existing medical traditions and indigenous people. In southern India, on the one hand indigenous medical systems such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Homeopathy existed and their practitioners raised their objections and claims against western scientificity in medicine and the associated therapeutic measures. On the other hand, complicated socio-cultural conditions intervened in the colonial government's activities. The primary objective of this paper is to explore the conflict between western medicine and indigenous medicine that led to the emergence of interesting discourses on treatment methods especially drug, diet and therapeutic practices in the sanatoria. This paper also tries to address the question of how these institutions rationalised western medicine and its related scientific, medical ideas, and medical technologies over oriental practices specifically in the domain of tuberculosis care.