Bhubaneswar: The Sriram Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and in Sambalpur have been ranked among the top 40 medical colleges in the country.
In the recently announced India Today Survey, the SCB Medical College and Hospital secured 31st rank while VIMSAR bagged the 37th spot.
Considering that there are 460 medical colleges in India, the top ranks for Odisha’s two medical colleges is a significant accomplishment for the state.
Out of the 39 medical colleges, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi topped the list followed by Christian Medical College in Vellore and Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.
The Orissa Medical School was formed in 1875. It was established with a capacity of 20 LMP (Licentiate Medical Practitioners) students. It was affiliated to the Bihar and Orissa Medical Examination Board.
In 1944, the Orissa Medical School was renamed as Orissa Medical College and Major AT Anderson, the then Civil Surgeon of Cuttack was its first Principal. The Orissa Medical College was born June 1, 1944 with a capacity of 22 students for MBBS course.
While the college was affiliated to Utkal University, the first batch appeared for the final MBBS examination in 1948. The college received recognition for MBBS degree from Medical Council of Indian in 1952 with retrospective effect.
In 1951, the Orissa Medical College was renamed as Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Medical College in recognition of the donation and efforts made by Mayurbhanj State Maharaj Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo.
The VIMSAR, previously known as Veer Surendra Sai Medical College and Hospital, is a premier government-run medical college and hospital established in 1959. It caters to the health needs of Western Odisha, part of Chhatisgarh and Jharkhand. In 2009, the college celebrated its golden jubilee.