Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal

Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital: A Comprehensive Overview of Services and Facilities in Kolkata

Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital, a renowned state government hospital in Kolkata, has a rich legacy of providing Ayurvedic education and healthcare services. Established in 1932 by Mahamahopadhyay Kj. Gananath Sen, this institution has played a pivotal role in Ayurvedic health care and education in West Bengal. Inaugurated by the Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman, the hospital has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a vital healthcare provider in the region. Over the decades, it has become a leading institution in Ayurvedic treatment, education, and research.

Historical Legacy and Foundation

• Founded in 1932: Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital was founded by Mahamahopadhyay Kj. Gananath Sen in 1932.
• Inauguration by Sir C.V. Raman: The institution was inaugurated by the famous scientist Sir C.V. Raman, highlighting its historical importance.
• Government Takeover: In 1971, the Government of West Bengal took over the institution, enhancing its capacity to serve the community.
• Expansion into Education: The institution began offering a Two Years’ Certificate Course in Ayurvedic Pharmacy in 1975 to address the shortage of Ayurvedic pharmacists.

Founder: Mahamahopadhyay Kj. Gananath Sen

• Visionary Leader: Kj. Gananath Sen was a distinguished scholar in Ayurveda and played a crucial role in establishing the institution.
• Focus on Ayurvedic Education: His vision extended to both healthcare delivery and the training of future Ayurvedic pharmacists and practitioners.

Course and Education Programs

Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital is a leading institution offering specialized courses in Ayurvedic pharmacy.

• Diploma in Ayurvedic Pharmacy [D.Pharm (Ayurved)]:
  • Course Duration: Two years.
  • Eligibility: Students who have completed their XII (10+2) with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics).
  • Seat Capacity: 30 seats are available for the D.Pharm (Ayurved) course.
  • Admission Process: Admission is based on merit, considering the marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics in H.S. (10+2)/CBSE/ISC exams.

Revised Syllabus

• The course syllabus and regulations have been revised by a dedicated Syllabus Subcommittee since the 2016-2017 academic session.
• The D.Pharm (Ayurved) program now follows the revised syllabus to ensure modern and comprehensive Ayurvedic education.

Seat Enhancement

• The number of seats for the D.Pharm (Ayurved) course was increased from 20 to 30 in the academic session of 2017-2018 to accommodate more students.

Leadership and Faculty

Dr. Debasish Ghosh, a highly qualified and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner, leads Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital.

• Superintendent & Ex-officio Professor: Dr. Debasish Ghosh.
• Qualifications: M.D. (Ayurveda), Ph.D. (CU).
• Contact Information:
  • Address: 94, Grey Street, Kolkata 700005.
  • Phone: 033-25556741.
  • Email: drdghosh71@gmail.com.

Dr. Ghosh has published five research papers during 2020-2021, contributing significantly to the field of Ayurvedic research.

Hospital Facilities

The hospital offers an array of services and has facilities that meet the healthcare needs of patients through Ayurvedic treatment and modern amenities.

• 20-Bed Hospital: The hospital has 20 beds, including air-conditioned cabins, providing inpatient services for Ayurvedic treatments.
• Operation Theatre: An operation theatre is available for surgical procedures, enhancing the scope of medical services provided.
• Outpatient Department (OPD): The OPD is open for general consultations and Ayurvedic treatments, ensuring patients receive timely care.

Special Treatment Units

Kshar-Sutra Therapy Unit

• The hospital is well-known for its Kshar-Sutra Therapy Unit, which specializes in treating ano-rectal disorders such as piles and fistula. This therapy has proven to be highly effective where conventional medicine has limitations.

Diagnostic Services

• Pathological and Biochemical Tests: The hospital has partnered with a private pathological laboratory to offer free pathological and biochemical tests. This service, available since 2018, benefits both outpatients (OPD) and inpatients (IPD).

Herbal Garden

• Medicinal Plant Resource: The hospital maintains a herbal garden at the ‘Swasthya Bhawan’, the state health department’s headquarters, as the main campus lacks sufficient space. This garden provides valuable resources for training pharmacy students in the use of medicinal plants.

Educational Infrastructure

Library

• Comprehensive Collection: The hospital’s library contains a significant collection of Ayurvedic literature, including rare and valuable texts. Students and faculty members use the library for research and academic purposes.

Analytical & Drug Testing Laboratory

• The institution has an Analytical and Drug Testing Laboratory to provide practical training to students enrolled in the Ayurvedic Pharmacy program. This facility enables students to gain hands-on experience in drug analysis and testing, ensuring they are well-prepared for their careers.

Smart Classroom

• Modern Learning Environment: A smart classroom was introduced in the 2019-2020 financial year. This facility has greatly enhanced the learning experience, allowing students and faculty to conduct seminars and conferences with modern technological support.

Educational Tours

• Annual Educational Tours: The institute organizes annual educational tours for its students at no cost. These tours help students explore rare medicinal plants and minerals across different states in India.

Infrastructure and Renovations

Building Restoration

• Renovation of 150-Year-Old Building: The institute operates in a building that is over 150 years old. After being taken over by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 2014, the building underwent extensive renovation to ensure its structural integrity.
• Renovated Indoor Patient Department: The indoor patient department was also renovated in 2014, continuing to provide essential healthcare services.

Installation of a Lift

• A lift was installed in March 2016 to address the need for accessibility, especially since the female ward and operation theatre are located on the third floor.

Solar Panel Installation

• A solar panel has been installed to provide hot water for patients in the OPD, IPD, and OT, ensuring an eco-friendly energy source for the hospital.

Additional Services and Patient Care

• Wide Range of Pathological Investigations: The hospital offers a wide array of pathological tests, including biochemical testing, which are crucial for diagnosing and treating patients.
• Free-of-Cost Tests: The hospital has partnered with private laboratories to provide free pathological and biochemical tests to patients, benefiting both outpatient and inpatient departments.

Ayurvedic Treatments and Specialties

• The Ayurvedic treatments offered at the hospital have become increasingly popular, especially for chronic diseases where conventional medicine has limited success. Patients seek Ayurvedic treatment for a wide range of conditions, finding relief and holistic healing through these ancient therapies.

Government Recognition and Affiliation

• Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital is recognized by the Government of West Bengal and affiliated with Paschim Banga Ayurved Parishad, ensuring that the courses and treatments provided meet high academic and healthcare standards.

Contact Information

• Address: 77, Aurobindo Sarani Rd, near Sovabazar Metro Station, Shobhabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700005.
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Closed on Sundays).
• Phone: 033-2555 6741.
• Email: vamhospital@gmail.com.
• Website: www.wbhealth.gov.in.
• Facebook Page: Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital.

Conclusion

Vishwanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital has played a pivotal role in promoting Ayurvedic education and healthcare in West Bengal for over 90 years. With its rich history, modern facilities, and a dedicated focus on Ayurvedic treatments, the hospital continues to serve as a vital healthcare provider in Kolkata. The institution’s comprehensive educational programs, specialized treatment units, and advanced diagnostic services make it a cornerstone of Ayurvedic health care in the region.