Chengalpattu Medical College, located in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India, has a rich history dating back to before 1965 when it functioned as a District Headquarters hospital. In 1965, the Government of Tamil Nadu upgraded this hospital to a teaching institution with 250 beds for clinical training. The institution was established on land donated by Vedachalam Mudaliar, the then Chairman of Chengalpattu Municipality. This 50-year-old institution was the sixth of its kind in Tamil Nadu and initially trained students in a condensed MBBS course. Women were first admitted in 1970, and the first batch of MBBS graduates completed their studies in 1972. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive medical education and healthcare facility.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Chengalpattu Medical College spans a sprawling campus of 240 acres at Highgrounds in Chengalpattu. The campus includes well-designed buildings, separate hostels for male and female students, and a well-stocked library with a diverse collection of medical books, journals, and reference materials. The college features a 750-seat auditorium, a fully equipped examination hall with surveillance systems, and modernized lecture halls equipped with audiovisual aids.

The hospital associated with the college has evolved into a tertiary care center with a variety of specialized departments, including neurology, cardiology, nephrology, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, urology, and neurosurgery. The hospital has well-attended outpatient departments (OPDs) with an average daily attendance of 3000-3500 patients and an average bed strength of 600-700 with a bed occupancy rate of 90-110% per month.

Programs Offered

Chengalpattu Medical College offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medical education. The undergraduate program includes the MBBS course, which admits 100 students annually. The postgraduate programs include various specialties and super-specialties, training nearly 100 postgraduate students in fields such as General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Anesthesia, Dermatology, Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Plastic Surgery, and Psychiatry.

In addition to these, the college offers paramedical courses, including B.Sc. Nursing, Diploma in Nursing, B.Sc. Radiology, DMLT (Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology), and various certificate courses.

Research and Achievements

The college boasts a fully functioning multidisciplinary research unit that collaborates with organizations such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This unit facilitates numerous research projects carried out by faculty and students. The library provides access to e-journals and other digital resources, enhancing the research capabilities of students and faculty.

Notable Departments and Services

The institution's Anatomy Block houses the Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology, while the Examination Block includes the Departments of Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine. The hospital side features multiple blocks, including old and new OP blocks, and a state-of-the-art building for surgery and medicine wards. Specialized buildings cater to Orthopaedics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Trauma, Pediatrics, and Thoracic Medicine. A two-storey Neonatology block has been recently added to cater to neonatal care.

Community and Outreach

As the only governmental tertiary health care center in the Chengalpattu District, the college serves as a referral unit for several secondary care centers and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the area. The institution emphasizes improving healthcare services in rural areas, training medical personnel to enhance emergency and immediate care, and ensuring equitable access to medical services.

Conclusion

Chengalpattu Medical College, with its comprehensive facilities, diverse academic programs, and commitment to medical research and community health, stands as a prominent institution in Tamil Nadu. It continues to contribute significantly to the field of medical education and healthcare, upholding its motto of Discipline, Service, and Sacrifice.