-Baishali Mukherjee

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a central government organization, has declared Kolkata Medical College and Hospital as the best in Eastern India. The state- government run hospital received this honor based on its contributions to research. 

According to sources from the medical college, this recognition by ICMR is primarily for the research work carried out last year. Key factors considered include the total number of research papers published, the journals in which they were published, and the number of doctors involved in the research. Based on these criteria, Kolkata Medical College received the title of the best in Eastern India, scoring 70%, the highest in the region among various medical colleges in India.

Sources also revealed that, to encourage further research, ICMR will provide ₹1.25 crore to the medical college. Additionally, a total of ₹10 crore has been allocated for research purposes, which will be conducted jointly by the medical college and ICMR.

The superintendent of Kolkata Medical College, Anjan Adhikari, said, “We have achieved this recognition due to our good research work. We must strive to perform even better in the future.”

The recognition of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital as the best in Eastern India by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is a beacon of hope for Bengal amidst ongoing concerns of corruption in state medical institutions. This achievement highlights the hospital’s dedication to research excellence, with a 70% score—highest in the region—reflecting its substantial contributions to medical advancements. The ₹1.25 crore grant from ICMR and an additional ₹10 crore allocation for research underscore its credibility and potential to inspire other institutions. This accolade showcases that integrity and academic rigor can shine despite broader systemic challenges, reaffirming faith in Bengal’s medical education system.

Moreover, in November, Kolkata Medical College also made headlines for providing cancer treatment at an affordable cost. Even expensive treatments like High-Dose Therapy (HDT) and Autologous Stemless Transplantation are being offered at minimal charges. According to media reports, the allocation for cancer treatment in government hospitals has recently been increased. The private hospitals typically charge lakhs of rupees for these treatments. Also, recently, the hospital successfully eradicated cancer in 15 patients using this treatment.