Doesn’t the name Calcutta Medical College & Hospital itself conjure images of healing and history? Established on January 28, 1835, by Lord William Bentinck, this institution is one of Asia’s oldest medical colleges. It was initially known as Medical College, Bengal.
Calcutta Medical College & Hospital was the first in Asia to teach Western medicine in English. It quickly became a hub for medical innovation and education. Today, it continues to be a leading medical institution.
Student politics have deep roots here. Many students actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle. The college became a center for anti-British movements. In 1947, Sree Dhiraranjan Sen, a student, tragically died during a protest.
Between 1946 and 1952, the college doctors promoted communal harmony. They worked tirelessly in refugee colonies. Ex-students established the Students’ Health Home in 1952 to support student welfare. Among them was Bidhan Chandra Roy. He later became the second Chief Minister of West Bengal.
From the 1950s through the 1970s, leftist politics heavily influenced the college. The Naxalbari uprising in the early 1970s further shaped student activism. Calcutta Medical College & Hospital has produced many notable alumni.
Upendranath Brahmachari discovered the treatment for Kala-azar. Kadambini Ganguly was the first South Asian female physician qualified in Western medicine. Madhusudan Gupta was the first Indian trained in Western medicine to dissect a human corpse. Bidhan Chandra Roy became a noted physician and Chief Minister. Ram Baran Yadav even became the first president of Nepal.
In February 2023, Dr. Sudip Das from the ENT Department secured a patent. He developed a simple yet innovative medical device. The motto of Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata is “Humanity and Science”. This reflects its dedication to both compassionate care and scientific advancement.
Calcutta National Medical College, colloquially known as Chittaranjan Hospital, has a rich history. It originated from the National Medical Institute in 1921. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose inaugurated it. The college was nationalized in 1967.
Dr. Sundari Mohan Das was the founder principal. He was born in Sylhet in 1857. Dr. Subhas Mukhopadhaya of Calcutta National Medical College pioneered IVF-ET. Dr. M.N. Sarkar is remembered for creating a golden era for the institute.
Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital received the LaQshya Certificate. It was recognized for its excellence in maternity care. AGON is the annual cultural festival. It is one of the biggest medical college festivals in Eastern India. The festival includes concerts, competitions, and social initiatives.
As you stand before Calcutta Medical College & Hospital remember its legacy. It is a place where healing, education, and history converge. It continues to serve the community with dedication.