Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), established in 1968, stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious medical institutions in North East India. Located in Silchar, Assam, it is a government-run tertiary care hospital and medical college, serving as the primary referral hospital for the southern part of Assam, known as the Barak Valley, and extending its services to neighboring states such as Mizoram, North Tripura, West Manipur, and South Meghalaya. The institution is affiliated with Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences and is recognized by the Medical Council of India.

The history of SMCH is a testament to its significant role in the region’s healthcare and medical education landscape. Before India's independence, residents of Assam and other North Eastern states had to travel to distant places for medical education and advanced treatment. This changed with the establishment of the Berry White Medical School in Dibrugarh in 1898-99, which eventually evolved into the Assam Medical College in 1947. Inspired by the need to expand medical education and healthcare facilities, the Assam government, under the leadership of Chief Minister B. P. Chaliha, decided to establish a second medical college in the state. This led to the formation of an expert committee in 1959, which recommended the establishment of medical colleges in Gauhati (now Guwahati) and Silchar. Consequently, Silchar Medical College was inaugurated on its permanent campus on 15 August 1968, with Prof. Rudra Goswami as its first principal.

Academically, SMCH offers a robust curriculum with an annual intake of 100 MBBS students and 97 postgraduate students pursuing MD, MS, and Diploma courses. The college has a total teaching staff of 172 members, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded education for its students. The institution also boasts a suburban campus spread over 620 bighas, providing ample space for its various facilities and departments.

The hospital wing of SMCH, commissioned in 1977-78, is well-equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies and routine healthcare needs. It serves as a crucial healthcare provider for the region, often being the first point of care for many critical cases. The college's motto, "May Everyone Be Disease Free," reflects its commitment to improving public health and providing quality medical education.

Throughout its history, SMCH has been instrumental in addressing the healthcare needs of Assam and its neighboring states. The institution continues to evolve, incorporating modern medical practices and technologies to enhance its educational and healthcare delivery standards. Its strategic location, comprehensive academic programs, and dedication to serving the community make Silchar Medical College and Hospital a cornerstone of medical education and healthcare in North East India.