Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata

HISTORY
The first attempt for the introduction of a proper medical training was undertaken by Lord William Bentinck. As a fruit of his effort and long persuasion, government order was passed to set up a medical college in Calcutta which is known as Calcutta Medical College. As the resolution was passed on 28th January,1835, this day is observed as the Foundation Day of the College. What we see at the premises of Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, did not exist during the early period of its inception. An old house at the rear of the Hindu College was converted for use as the New Medical College.

This was used till the premises of the Petty Court Jail, the site of which included a part of the present building housing the Physiology and other departments and a part of the field to the north of Administrative Block, was ready for use. The first batch of the students numbered 50 and they received stipend from Rs.7 to 12 per month. The successful students after passing the final examination received certificates of qualification to practice Medicine and Surgery, and would receive pay as Native Doctors starting with Rs.30 per month, for being employed under government. With this, the books and apparatus of the abolished Native Institution was made over.

A group of illustrious band of teachers started conducting classes. The Head of the Institution was designated as Superintendent and then as Principal. Till today, this practice is being followed. There came a professor in Medicine and Anatomy and another professor in Chemistry and MaterialMedica. Two skeletons were purchased through M/S Bathgate & Company at a cost of Rs.1500. The anatomical preparations were imported from England. MJ Bramley was the first principal of the college and HH Goodeve was the first Surgeon professor.

General Services
Outdoor services:- The doctors of the hospital attend more than 5000 patients a day in the Outdoor Patient Department (OPD). More details of OPD coming up soon.

Indoor services:- The indoor service for admitting patients those who need 24 hours attendance and also those who are considered to be serious or to undergo surgery.More details coming up soon.

Counseling:- The Hospital conducts counseling on deadly diseases like AIDS. Also counseling on family planning and psychiatry are done at the Outdoor Service of various departments.

Diagnostic & Investigation:- The hospital is well equipped with modern gadget of Diagnostic and Investigation services. Patients may contact respective department for availing of such services. More interactive details are coming up soon.

The first attempt for the introduction of a proper medical training was undertaken by Lord William Bentinck. As a fruit of his effort and long persuasion, government order was passed to set up a medical college in Calcutta which is known as Calcutta Medical College. As the resolution was passed on 28th January, 1835. Now it is formally affiliated to the newly established West Bengal University of Health Sciences.

The college now imparts the degrees Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) after completion of 5 and half years of medical training. Also specialization degrees like MD and MS are given to post-graduate students. Nursing: Diploma in Nursing, B.Sc. in Nursing.

HERITAGE
Till 18th century,teaching and practice of medicine in India was done according to Ayurvedic or Unani or Arabic system. Wisdom of Charaka and Sushruta was compared to the pioneer western physicians like Hippocrates. It was the British rulers who during early 19th century trained few of the Indians for diagnosis and treatment of diseases administering allopathic medicine.

British Government tried with a native medical school that did not prove to be purposeful for the cause of diseases prevailing in India. They decided to set up a medical college in Calcutta.

Then came the greatest days in the history of medical education in India on 28th January,1835, whengovernment order was passed By British rulers vide notification GO No.28 dated 28th January,1835, the first Medical College was established in Kolkata, erstwhile Calcutta, which was the British capital in India.

The order said that the native medical institution to be abolished and a new medical college be formed for the education of Indian youth without distinction of creed or caste and that teaching be carried out through the medium of English language in strict accordance with the methods adapted in Europe.

This Medical College in course of time came to be known as Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. The Medical College is best known as the first medical college in the east. It has been running past two centuries and today is the best example of heritage medical college.

Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata Degree Programs :

Medicine

Nursing