PMCH-History

PATNA MEDICAL COLLEGE - KAL AAJ AUR KAL...

A GLORIOUS JOURNEY

Standing firm on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Patna Medical College has consistently borne the flagship of medical excellence through the last 100 years, both in the field of education and service.

Its historical journey started in 1874 as Temple Medical School. Initially situated at the present BN Collegiate campus, the institution’s early years were marked by significant relocations-first to Darbhanga and later back to Patna- prompted by the repeated outbreaks of plague and cholera (early 1900s).

The college’s role expanded dramati- cally following the return of wounded soldiers from the First World War, which underscored the need for specialized medical care. The early 20th century saw significant developments particularly in 1925, when as part of a royal tour, the Prince of Wales, Edward, visited Patna. The institution was renamed as Prince of Wales Medical College in his honour, which in itself was a testament to the college’s growing prominence.

Formal inauguration of this Medi- cal College was done on 25th February 1925. The opening ceremony was performed by His Excellency Sir Henry Wheeler, governor of Bihar and Orissa on 25th February 1927. The first batch of 35 Medical students were transferred from Calcutta Medical College, Calcutta to Prince of Wales Medical College,Patna. By 1932 Postgraduate teaching in Orthopaedics, Physiology, Gynaecol- ogy and Radiotherapy had started - pioneering a new era of advanced training. The college’s campus, initially part of land owned by Nawab Mirza Muradshah of Patna City, gained historical significance with the donation of this land-including the Nawab’s tomb-for the establishment of the medical college. The area was renamed from Moradbad to Muradpur in recognition of this contribution.

The necessary funds were obtained partly by public subscription and partly from the goverment of Bihar and Orissa. The principal donors were -

  • Hon’ble Maharajadhiraja Sir Ramesh- wara Singh of Darbhanga - Rs. 5 Lakhs
  • Raja Baldev Das Birla - Rs. 1.25 Lakhs
  • Raja Bahadur Kirtyanand singh of Ba- naili - Rs. 1 Lakh
  • Raja Bahadur Harihar Prashad Naray- an Singh of Amawan - Rs. 1 Lakhs
  • Bettiah Court of Wards Estate - Rs. 1 Lakhs
  • Maharaja Bahadur Guru Mahadev As- ram Prashad Sahi of Hatwa- Rs. 65,000
  • Rai Bahadur Kashinath Singh- Rs. 50,000
  • Maharaja Bahadur Keshav Prashad Singh of Dumraon - Rs. 25,000
  • The Late Raja Thakurai Brahma Deo Narayan Singh of Chainpur- Rs. 25,000
  • Raja Thakurai Giriwar Prashad Singh of Ranka- Rs. 25,000
  • Ramgarh Court of Wards Estate- Rs. 25,000
  • Narhan Court of Wards Estate- Rs. 15,000
  • Maharaja I.T. Purna Chandra Bhanja Deo Ruling Chief of the Mayurbhanj State- Rs. 10,000
  • The Late Maharaja Bahadur Sir Ra- vaneshwar Prashad Singh of Gidhaur- Rs. 10,000

As one of the oldest medical college in Asia, and being 6th in British India, it has a rich legacy of serving numerous distinguished personalities, like granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad-India’s first President, Mr. Chandra Shekhar - former Prime Minister of India and many others.

The college was renamed a few years after independence as Patna Medical College and since then it has played a pivotal role in medical training and treatment for Bihar and neighboring states and even Nepal.

From a humble beginning of 35 admissions per year to 200 admissions per year now, Patna Medical College has become a hub of quality teaching and train- ing. At present the college is conducting post graduate degree and diplomas in all specialities and super specialities- in 27 different subjects. With about 6000 outdoor patients daily and more than 1748 indoor patients, PMCH is one of the busiest hospitals of India.

At present Patna Medical College is spread over an area of 48 acres and is now being developed as the second biggest hospital in the world with a 5462 bed facility. The entire redevelopment project is estimated to be completed in three phases by 2028 with an estimated expenditure of rupees 5544 crores. The expansion of Patna medical college and Hospital will include a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital with all modern facilities and technology. Connectivity by road, railmetro station and air - helipad are in the fore.

Patna Medical College has continuously upheld its motto of "सर्वे सन्तु निरामया" & "सेवा धर्म हमारा" and will continue to move forward with the same selfless spirit, tireless effort, determination, devotion and dedication. The doctors and health workers are striving hard to maintain its dignity and advancment. Our passion to serve the humanity will be never ending.

‘‘LONG LIVE PATNA MEDICAL COLLEGE’’