Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda: A Pillar of Medical Education & Care in Himachal Pradesh
Introduction
Founded in 1996, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) in Tanda, Kangra, stands as a prominent state-run medical institution named after India’s first President. With its roots tracing back to a TB sanatorium established in the 1950s, RPGMC blends historical legacy with modern-day medical training, offering robust academic programs and high-end patient care in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Establishment & History
- Originally began as a tuberculosis sanatorium, with its foundation laid in 1952 and inaugurated in 1958 by President Rajendra Prasad (Wikipedia).
- Transformed into a medical college and hospital in 1996, the foundation was laid by then Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh (Wikipedia).
- Provisional recognition from the Medical Council of India (MCI, now NMC) came in 2005, with permanent recognition granted in 2010 (Wikipedia).
2. Affiliations & Accreditation
- RPGMC is a public medical college affiliated with Atal Medical and Research University, Himachal Pradesh (Wikipedia, medicalneetug.com).
- Recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and offers standardized medical degrees across the country (medicalneetug.com).
3. Courses Offered
Undergraduate
- MBBS program with 120 seats annually. It features a curriculum of 4.5 years plus a 1-year internship (medicalneetug.com, MBBSCouncil).
Postgraduate
- Offers approximately 93 postgraduate positions across 17 specializations including MD, MS, and diploma programs (medicalneetug.com, medicalneetpg.com).
Additional Programs
- Includes paramedical (B.Sc) and nursing (GNM) programs, expanding opportunities in medical and health sciences (rpgmc.ac.in, Shiksha).
4. Facilities & Campus Infrastructure
- Urban campus located in Tanda, Sadarpur, Kangra district—equipped with academic, administrative, and hostel facilities, and a teaching hospital campus (medicalneetug.com, MBBSCouncil).
- RPGMC Hospital, with approximately 593 beds, offers 24×7 emergency services, OPD, IPD, ICU, a blood bank, and multiple specialty departments including burn care and ophthalmology (medicalneetpg.com).
- Infrastructure highlights:
- Multiple lecture halls and departmental labs
- Digital and print central library
- Hostel accommodation for students
- Sports and recreation zones
- A structured Mentoring Cell to support student well-being and adaptation (YUMPU).
5. Academic Excellence
- The institution emphasizes high patient exposure and clinical training, strengthening the practical learning of medical students.
- Faculty includes experienced clinicians and researchers—such as Prof. Sujeet Raina, an acclaimed medical researcher with over 140 publications (ResearchGate).
6. Career Development & Support
- Clinical postings and hospital-based learning form integral parts of training, preparing students for competitive postgraduate exams and public health careers.
- No formal placement cell exists; however, the college’s strong reputation ensures many graduates secure impactful roles in healthcare and academia.
7. Research Activities
- The college nurtures a research-oriented environment through its hospital and departmental laboratories.
- Faculty like Prof. Raina lead ongoing publications in national and international journals, reflecting active academic involvement (ResearchGate).
8. Scholarships & Fellowships
- As a government college, RPGMC offers state-level scholarships for meritorious and reserved-category students.
- Details for fellowships or additional research funding are primarily managed via internal administration and government scholarship schemes.
9. Notable Alumni
- While individual notable alumni aren’t specified widely, the college’s strong educational foundation has produced competent doctors serving across Himachal Pradesh and beyond, contributing to both public and private healthcare sectors.
10. Reputation, Rankings & Recognition
- Recognized among India’s top-tier government medical colleges, RPGMC stands out for its academic quality and regional healthcare delivery impact (Wikipedia, MBBSCouncil).
- Recognized for excellence in both education and service, with growing postgraduate seat capacity and infrastructure.
11. Address & Official Contact
- Address: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College & Hospital, Tanda, Sadarpur, Kangra – Himachal Pradesh 176001, India (Wikipedia, MBBSCouncil).
- Contact Info:
- Phone: 01892-267115 (MBBSCouncil)
- Official Website: https://www.rpgmc.ac.in (Wikipedia, rpgmc.ac.in).
12. FAQs
Q1. When was RPGMC established and what’s its origin?
A: It originated as a TB sanatorium in the 1950s, and the medical college was officially founded in 1996 (Wikipedia).
Q2. What is the college affiliated with?
A: Affiliated with Atal Medical and Research University, Himachal Pradesh, and recognized by the NMC (Wikipedia, medicalneetug.com).
Q3. What programs are available?
A: Offers MBBS (120 seats), numerous PG seats (~93) in 17 disciplines, paramedical (B.Sc), and GNM nursing programs (medicalneetug.com, medicalneetpg.com, Shiksha, rpgmc.ac.in).
Q4. What facilities does the campus feature?
A: Fully equipped hospital (~593 beds), lecture halls, labs, library, hostels, sports zones, auditorium, and mentorship support structure (medicalneetpg.com, YUMPU).
Q5. Are there research opportunities available?
A: Yes—through hospital-based clinical studies and faculty-led projects, such as those by Prof. Sujeet Raina (ResearchGate).
Q6. Who is the principal?
A: The principal is Milap Sharma, as listed in official details (Wikipedia).
Q7. Where can I find official updates and admissions info?
A: Visit the college’s official website: https://www.rpgmc.ac.in (Wikipedia, rpgmc.ac.in).
Conclusion
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda stands as a dynamic center for medical learning and healthcare in Himachal Pradesh. Over its nearly three-decade journey, it has grown into a respected institution with comprehensive educational programs, a robust hospital, emerging research culture, and a legacy that continues to advance regional health. Let me know if you’d like added detail on student admissions, hostel life, or departmental strengths!
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