IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal

IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital: A Legacy of Excellence in Medical Education and Research in Kolkata, West Bengal

Introduction

The Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital (SSKM Hospital), also known as P.G. Hospital, is a prestigious public medical college and hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. Established in 1707, the institution has grown into a national research institute renowned for its contributions to medical education, research, and patient care.

Heritage and History

Early Beginnings

  • 1707: The first hospital in Calcutta was built within the Old Fort premises at Gerstein Place by the Council of Fort William.
  • 1768: Two houses on Lower Circular Road were purchased and converted into a full-fledged hospital, known as Presidency Hospital.
  • 1770: The hospital began admitting non-European patients, expanding its services to a broader population.

Transformation into PG Hospital

  • 1954: The hospital was renamed Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital (SSKM Hospital) in honor of the great philanthropist Sukhlal Karnani.
  • 1957: The Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (IPGMER) was established, marking the beginning of its journey as a leading medical education and research center. It was inaugurated by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India.

A Centre of Excellence

IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital have evolved into a multi-superspeciality hospital and a premier institute for medical education and research. The institution is recognized for its comprehensive academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and postdoctoral courses, as well as paramedical and nursing courses.

Vision and Mission

Vision

The institution aims to produce skilled medical professionals, researchers, and educators who will contribute to public healthcare and medical research.

Mission

  • Training: Educate undergraduates, postgraduates, and postdoctoral students in medical sciences.
  • Research: Foster research in both fundamental and applied medical sciences.
  • Specialization: Develop and promote specialized branches of medicine.
  • Continuing Education: Offer refresher courses for medical practitioners and healthcare personnel.
  • Coordination: Coordinate resources and research across hospitals and institutions in West Bengal.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Medical Services and Specialties

IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital provide a wide range of medical services across various specialties. The hospital’s infrastructure supports advanced medical care, research, and education.

  • Neonatal Department: Equipped with advanced facilities for newborn care, including a Human Milk Bank.
  • Genomics: Cutting-edge research and treatment in genomic medicine.
  • Nuclear & Experimental Medical Science: Advanced research in nuclear medicine and experimental therapies.
  • School of Digestive & Liver Diseases: Specialized care for digestive and liver diseases.

Departments

The hospital hosts numerous departments, each led by highly qualified professionals:

  1. Anatomy: Prof. (Dr.) Rajib Kundu, HOD
  2. Anesthesiology: Prof. (Dr.) Arpita Laha, HOD
  3. Biochemistry: Prof. (Dr.) Mousumi Mukhopadhyay, HOD
  4. Cardiology: Prof. (Dr.) Goutam Datta, HOD
  5. Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery: Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Kr. Sanki, HOD
  6. Critical Care Medicine: Prof. (Dr.) Asim Kumar Kundu, HOD
  7. Dermatology: Dr. Kakali Mandal (Mridha), HOD
  8. Gastroenterology: Prof. (Dr.) Gopal Krishna Dhali, HOD
  9. Gynecology & Obstetrics: Prof. (Dr.) Narayan Jana, HOD
  10. Medicine: Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Chatterjee, HOD
  11. Neonatology: Prof. (Dr.) Suchandra Mukherjee, HOD
  12. Neurology: Prof. (Dr.) Atanu Biswas, HOD
  13. Neurosurgery: Prof. (Dr.) Subhasis Ghosh, HOD
  14. Orthopedics: Prof. (Dr.) Mukul Bhattacharyya, HOD
  15. Pediatric Medicine: Prof. (Dr.) Mrinal Kanti Das, HOD
  16. Psychiatry: Prof. (Dr.) Amit Kumar Bhattacharya, HOD
  17. Radiodiagnosis: Prof. (Dr.) Sukharanjan Howlader, HOD
  18. Surgical Oncology: Prof. (Dr.) Jayesh Kumar Jha, HOD
  19. Urology: Prof. (Dr.) Debansu Sarkar, HOD

Special Facilities

  • Advanced Operation Theatres: Equipped for major and minor surgeries.
  • Intensive Care Units: Comprehensive critical care with state-of-the-art equipment.
  • Outdoor Clinics: Offering specialized outpatient care across various disciplines.
  • Regional Organ Transplant Facilities: Advanced transplant services for regional organs.
  • Special Clinics: Catering to specific medical needs, including rare diseases.

Academic Excellence

IPGME&R is known for its robust academic programs, offering a range of courses that cater to the evolving needs of the medical field.

Undergraduate Courses

  • MBBS: A comprehensive program with 50 seats, offering a strong foundation in medical sciences.

Postgraduate and Doctoral Courses

  • MD/MS: Advanced training in various medical specialties.
  • DM/MCh: Super-specialty courses for medical professionals.
  • PhD: Research-focused programs aimed at producing leading medical scientists.

Paramedical and Nursing Courses

  • Physiotherapy: Undergraduate courses in physiotherapy for rehabilitation and care.
  • Nursing: Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in nursing, providing comprehensive training in patient care.

Research and Innovation

IPGME&R is at the forefront of medical research, with a strong emphasis on innovation and the application of new technologies.

Centre of Excellence

  • Bangur Institute of Neurosciences: Leading research in neurological sciences.
  • INS Sciences Cardiology: Cutting-edge research and treatment in cardiology.
  • Institute of Psychiatry: Advanced research and treatment in mental health.
  • School of Digestive and Liver Diseases: Specialized research and treatment in gastroenterology.
  • School of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Focused on rehabilitation sciences.

Recent Achievements

  • Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases (2021): IPGME&R was selected as one of eight centers in India for rare disease treatment under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD).
  • Medimpact Initiative (2023): An initiative providing free online access to teaching sessions for medical students worldwide.
  • Fertility Center (2022): West Bengal’s first government hospital fertility center, offering advanced reproductive medicine.

Hospital Services

IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital offer a comprehensive range of hospital services designed to meet the needs of patients and the medical community.

Patient Care

  • In-Patient Services: Spacious cabins and wards with state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Out-Patient Services: Specialized outpatient clinics and departments.
  • Emergency Services: A 24-hour emergency department equipped to handle all medical emergencies.
  • Transplant Services: Regional organ transplant facilities with advanced care.

Support Services

  • Blood Bank: A fully equipped blood bank ensuring a steady supply for emergencies.
  • Surgical Store: A well-stocked surgical store supporting the hospital’s needs.
  • Form Store: Efficient management of medical forms and documentation.

Hospital Rankings

IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital consistently rank among the top medical institutions in India. In 2022, the institution ranked 21st in the medical section of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Location and Campus

Prime Location

Located near the Race Course ground and the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, the hospital is situated in a culturally rich and historically significant area. The campus is surrounded by landmarks such as the Nandan complex, Rabindra Sadan, and the Indian Museum.

Campus Layout

The campus is divided into two main sections:

  • Medical Facilities: Includes outpatient departments, wards, and clinics.
  • Academic Buildings: Houses lecture theaters, museums, and laboratories for medical and paramedical students.

Hostel Facilities

The institution provides comfortable and secure accommodation for students with three undergraduate hostels and one postgraduate hostel. Separate hostels are available for boys and girls.

Cultural and Academic Activities

The annual cultural fest, CRUX, held in August-September, is a major event at IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital, showcasing the talents of students and faculty.

Organization and Administration

IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital are affiliated with the West Bengal University of Health Sciences. The institution is funded and administered jointly by the state and central governments of India.

Recent Developments

  • 244-Bed Trauma Care Centre (2019): Inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, this state-of-the-art trauma care center is modeled after AIIMS, New Delhi.
  • Cancer Care Hub (2021): A collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre to establish two state-of-the-art cancer hospitals in West Bengal, including one at SSKM Hospital.

Medical Units and Affiliations

  • Institute of Psychiatry: Specializing in mental health care and research.
  • Bangur Institute of Neurosciences: A leader in neurological research and treatment.
  • Sambhunath Pandit Hospital: An affiliated hospital providing specialized care.
  • Ramrikdas Haralanka Hospital: Another affiliated institution supporting the hospital’s services.

Contact Information

For more details or to access medical services, contact IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital at:

  • Address: SSKM Hospital Rd, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
  • Phone: 033 2204 1100
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Website: IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital

Conclusion

IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital have a rich legacy and continue to be a beacon of excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. With a commitment to innovation and a focus on providing comprehensive healthcare services, the institution plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of medicine in India. Whether for academic pursuits or specialized medical treatment, IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital remain a trusted name in the healthcare landscape of West Bengal.

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