Which is the first medical college in India?

Kolkata Medical College, also known as Kolkata Medical College, is the first medical college in India and is a government-run medical institution and hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It was founded on January 28, 1835 by Lord William Bentinck during the British reign, and its distinction was that it became one of the oldest medical schools in Asia. This is the first institution in the region to introduce Western medical education in English. In this article, we will explore the history of Kolkata Medical College and its ranking in India

The foundations of modern medical education in India can be traced back to the British era and various institutions were established to provide medical training. The evolution of India’s healthcare system is influenced by colonial policies, the need for training personnel, and the vision of several well-known people.

Indian Medical Services (IMS)

  • The British East India Company established the Indian Medical Services (IMS) in 1764 to meet the health care needs of British Indian Europeans.
  • Over time, the demand for well-trained local doctors has continued to grow, leading to the development of institutions in medical education.

Establish a local medical institution

  • On May 9, 1822, the British government formulated a plan to incorporate Aboriginal doctors into the civil and military institutions of the President of Bangladesh.
  • To promote medical education in the local language, a local medical institution was established on June 21, 1822.

Foundations of Medical College Kolkata

  • In 1833, William Bentinck Commission stressed the need for a medical school for Indigenous students.
  • As a result, the Kolkata Medical College was established on January 28, 1835.
  • The institution is designed to train Indian students, regardless of caste and creed in Western medical practice.

Admission process

  • On February 20, 1835, the first batch of students were admitted.
  • Of the 100 applicants, only 20 students were selected through strict entrance examinations.
  • After completing the course, students must pass the final exam, after which they receive the President of the “Chairman Board” certificate.
  • Graduates are eligible to practice medicine and surgery as “local doctors” in public services.

Early foundations of college

The university’s inaugural Senate includes several outstanding figures, including:

  • Alexander Duff
  • Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
  • Prosunno Coomar Tagore
  • Prince Golam Mohammed
  • William Gordon Pratt
  • Frederick John Mouat

Who are the first graduates of Kolkata Medical College?

The first two people who earned their degree from college are Bankimchandra Chatterjee and Juddoonath Bose

Who are the first female graduates from Kolkata Medical College?

The university also made history by awarding its first female graduates Chandramukhi Basu and Kadambini Ganguli degrees

Milestones in medical education

Year

event

1836

The first human anatomy in India was completed by Madhusudan Gupta on January 10 (now considered the Medical Education Day in West Bengal).

1838

The first batch of students passed the final exam on October 30.

1883

Kadambini Ganguly became the first woman to enter school.

1884

The government provides scholarships in rupee. There are 20 female students per month.

Notable alumni and contributor

  • Notable supporters such as Ram Kamal Sen and Dwarkanath Tagore played a crucial role in encouraging medical education.
  • Dwarkanath Tagore funded the overseas education of four students, three of whom (Gopal Chandra Seal, Dwaraka Nath Bose and Bhola Nath Bose) ruled in 1846 for the MRCS (member of the Royal Academy of Surgery).
  • A student stayed in England and received his M.D. from University College London, becoming the first Indian to qualify for Indian Medical Services (IMS).
  • So, there are some impressive people in the college who graduate from here, such as:
    • Sir Nilatan Sakar
    • United Nations Bramhachari
    • Bidhan Chandra Roy
    • Balai Chand Mukhopadhyay
    • Ram Baran Jadab

Infrastructure development

Year

Infrastructure has developed

1835

Motilal Seal donated land to build university buildings.

1881-82

Eden Hospital was established.

1887

The Ezra Hospital was built.

1891

Shyama Charan Laha Ophthalmology Hospital is completed.

1911

The Prince of Wales surgical disorder was established.

after

Sir John Anderson casualties, David Hare Block and other hospital buildings were added.

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: Recognized as a major healthcare facility through quality education, research, innovation, community collaboration and excellent patient care.

Vision: Advancing Healthcare by:

  • Provide high standards of medical education at undergraduate, graduate and super professional levels.
  • Provide top-notch patient care in a well-equipped hospital setting.
  • Promote cutting-edge medical research.
  • Meet the health care needs of underserved communities in rural and urban areas.

What is Kolkata’s ranking in India’s medical schools?

In 2024, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) placed medical schools in Kolkata at 44th among Indian medical institutions.

in conclusion

Kolkata Medical College plays a key role in shaping modern medical education in India. From its inception in 1835 to its development as a leading medical institution, it has made significant contributions to medical research, health care, and the training of professionals who have made great contributions to society.