Medical education in India has seen significant growth over the years.[1][2]
, leading to increased attention from various sources on the history and development of medical institutions in the country. Among the topics of interest is the recognition of the oldest surviving medical colleges in India, which have played a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape of India. These institutions, many of which were established during the colonial period,[3] have been instrumental in setting the foundations for medical education and training in India. Their enduring legacy continues to be a subject of study and discussion, reflecting their historical and educational importance in the broader context of India's evolving medical education system[4][5][6][7]
During the 16th century, the introduction of Western medicine into India was spearheaded by the Portuguese. The year 1600 marked a significant milestone with the arrival of medical officers accompanying the inaugural fleet of ships dispatched by the East India Company. Their presence facilitated the inception of Western medical practices within the Indian subcontinent. Initially, medical departments were established, complete with surgeons, to cater to the healthcare needs of the troops and staff affiliated with the East India Company.
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A pivotal development occurred in 1775 when hospital boards were established, consisting of the Surgeon General and Physician General. These boards were primarily constituted by personnel under the command of the British Indian Army in each presidency. Subsequently, medical departments were established in the Bengal presidency, Madras presidency, and Bombay presidency in 1785. These departments assumed responsibility for the healthcare of both military personnel and British civilians residing in India.
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Due to its status as a Portuguese colony, this educational institution in Goa commenced its journey as a medicine class instructed by a Portuguese physician Manoel Roiz de Sousa. The establishment of a formal medical training institution commenced in November 1842.
Established by French-India, this institution holds the distinction of being India's first medical college. Following the transfer of authority from French India to the Indian government in 1956, it was rebranded as Dhanvantri Medical College. Subsequently, in 1964, it was rechristened as the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research.
Established by Lord William Bentinck, this institution's students assumed a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. Presently, it is commonly referred to as Calcutta Medical College.
The college was inaugurated with the purpose of providing medical education to the personnel of the Madras Government General Hospital, recognized as the first Western medicine hospital established in India in 1664. Presently, the college maintains affiliation with Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University.
In 1834, Robert Grant, serving as the Governor of Bombay, spearheaded efforts to establish a medical school in the region. A notable Indian-Parsi philanthropist, Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, contributed 100 thousand rupees towards the construction of this medical institution. Presently recognized as Grant Government Medical College, it is affiliated with the Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals for clinical training.
Also known as Campbell Medical College, this institution was established by the British to combat rising epidemics. Commencing with a small hospital in 1864, following independence, it was renamed in tribute to a freedom fighter and alumnus of the college, becoming Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital.
The institution began as the Calcutta School of Medicine in 1886. It was renamed Belgachia Medical College in 1916 and became Carmichael Medical College in 1918. In 1948, it adopted its current name, R. G. Kar Medical College, in honor of Dr. Radha Gobinda Kar.
Originally named Queen Mary College & Hospital in 1914, the institution was founded by Lady Hardinge to promote medical education for Indian women. Following her death in 1914, it was renamed Lady Hardinge Medical College in 1916, honoring her pivotal role in its establishment and perpetuating her legacy as its founder.
