Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College, Dhanbad

Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital, Dhanbad (SNMMCH) (formerly Patliputra Medical College and Hospital, Dhanbad) is a prominent government-run medical college and hospital located in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. It was established in 1971 to provide quality medical education and healthcare services to the residents of Dhanbad and surrounding areas.^[1][2]

SNMMCH was originally established in 1971 as Patliputra Medical College under private management at Ashok Raj Path, Patna, Bihar. To address regional healthcare needs, the Government of Bihar later transferred the college to Dhanbad, where it was renamed and integrated with Sadar Hospital to form Patliputra Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). Over time, the college expanded its facilities, incorporating SSLNT Hospital in Purana Bazaar and Central Hospital in Jagjeevan Nagar, Dhanbad.^[3]

In 1999, the Medical Council of India (MCI) formally recognized the college.^[2] It was renamed Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College, Dhanbad, in honor of the local leader Nirmal Mahto.^[1]

Situated on a sprawling 60-acre campus in Saraidhela, Dhanbad, SNMMCH offers modern facilities to support both academic and clinical training. Established in 1977, the college campus includes well-equipped lecture halls, state-of-the-art laboratories, an extensive library, and a dedicated dissection hall. The attached hospital, operational since 2001–2002, houses around 560 beds and accommodates an outpatient department (OPD) capable of serving approximately 2,000 patients daily, meeting the healthcare demands of Dhanbad and neighboring districts. Additionally, the college offers paramedical training programs across multiple fields.^[2]

SNMMCH Hospital is a major healthcare institution in Jharkhand, renowned for its high-quality medical services and commitment to community health. It provides comprehensive outpatient and inpatient care, ranging from general medical services to specialized treatments and emergency care. Key departments include:^[4]

1. General Medicine and General Surgery
2. Pediatrics
3. Orthopedics
4. Anesthesia
5. Cardiology and Catheterization Laboratory
6. Obstetrics and Gynecology
7. Dentistry
8. Radiology and Radio Therapy
9. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
10. Eye Ophthalmology
11. Skin and VD Dermatology
12. Psychiatry
13. Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine
14. Casualty (Emergency Medicine)

The hospital is further supported by essential diagnostic and research departments, such as Microbiology, Pathology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology. The Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) department assists in medico-legal investigations, while Public and Social Medicine (PSM) focuses on community health programs. The Medical Record Department (MRD) ensures efficient management of patient data, supporting organized healthcare delivery.^[5]

SNMMCH provides an MBBS program with an intake of 50 students annually since 1977, which was increased to 100 seats in 2023, adhering to the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. The program spans five years with a mandatory one-year internship. SNMMCH aims to offer postgraduate courses in the future to expand its academic scope. Admissions are conducted through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Starting 2024-25 academic year, the school has also started its postgraduate (PG) residency programs in Orthopedics and Medicine.

The college is currently affiliated with Binod Bihari Mahto Koylanchal University and is recognized by the National Medical Commission.^[6] Previously, it was affiliated with Vinoba Bhave University.

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