NORTH BRNGAL MEDICAL COLLEGE & HOSPITAL
North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMC&H), established on November 18, 1968, is a premier public medical institution located in Sushrutanagar, near Siliguri in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It holds the distinction of being the first medical college in the North Bengal region and is among the largest in terms of area in the state.
Historical Background:
The inception of NBMC&H was a significant milestone in addressing the healthcare and educational needs of the northern districts of West Bengal. The premedical classes commenced on November 6, 1967, at Jackson Medical School in Jalpaiguri. Subsequent batches undertook their premedical courses at Raigunj University College. By 1972, the MBBS classes were relocated to the current campus in Sushrutanagar, marking the consolidation of the institution's academic activities.
Campus and Infrastructure:
Spanning approximately 161 acres, the NBMC&H campus is situated in Sushrutanagar, locally known as Noukaghat, about 5 kilometers west of Siliguri. The campus is well-connected to the town via the 3rd Mahananda Bridge. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, located around 11 kilometers away, and the closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, approximately 9 kilometers from the campus.
The college and hospital buildings are interconnected by extensive corridors totaling a length of 2.6 kilometers, facilitating seamless movement across departments. The campus also houses the North Bengal Dental College and the Nursing Training College, contributing to a comprehensive healthcare education environment.
Academic Programs:
NBMC&H offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. The institution admits 200 students annually into the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. The MBBS course spans 4.5 years, followed by a mandatory one-year internship, aligning with the guidelines of the National Medical Commission (NMC).
In addition to the MBBS program, the college offers 72 postgraduate seats in various specialties leading to Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) degrees. These programs are designed to provide advanced clinical training and research opportunities to medical graduates.
Hospital Services:
The associated hospital at NBMC&H is a tertiary referral center with a bed strength of 1,500, providing a wide array of medical services to the region. Key facilities include:
Emergency Services: Round-the-clock emergency care for various medical and surgical conditions.
Outpatient and Inpatient Services: Comprehensive care across multiple specialties.
Critical Care Units: Including Hybrid Critical Care Unit (HDU+CCU), Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and Sick Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (SNCU).
Specialized Centers: Such as the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre (RBTC), Trauma Care Facility (Level II), Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre, Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre (VCTC), and Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL).
Support Services: Including telemedicine, counseling, diagnostic and investigation facilities, fair price medicine shop, physiotherapy and rehabilitation center, and pain clinic.
The hospital is also set to enhance its capabilities with the addition of a super-specialty block under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) scheme. This development will introduce 255 beds dedicated to neurosurgery, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS), plastic surgery and burns, pediatric surgery, cardiology, neurology, and other specialties, significantly augmenting the hospital's capacity to provide advanced medical care.
Facilities and Amenities:
The NBMC&H campus is equipped with a variety of facilities to support the academic and extracurricular activities of its students:
- Hostels: Distinct housing for male and female students, offering a cozy living atmosphere.
- Library: A well-stocked library with an extensive collection of medical literature and access to digital resources.
- Auditorium: 'Uttoron' auditorium for hosting seminars, conferences, and cultural events.
- Canteen: Offering a variety of hygienic food options to cater to diverse tastes.
- Sports and Recreation: Facilities including a sports ground and gymnasium to promote physical fitness and well-being among students.
- Support Services: On-campus amenities such as a bank, police outpost, and post office to meet the daily needs of students and staff.
The faculty comprises experts across various medical disciplines, committed to imparting quality education and fostering a culture of research and clinical excellence.
Recent Developments:
NBMC&H continues to play a pivotal role in