Sir Salimullah Medical College

Sir Salimullah Medical College Logo

Mitford Hospital circa 1880

Mitford Hospital, Dhaka (1904)

Salimullah

Campus SSMC Hasnahena Garden

King Edward Building Mitford

Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC) is a government medical college in Bangladesh, located in the old part of the capital, Dhaka. It is affiliated with the University of Dhaka as a constituent college. Established in 1875 as Dhaka Medical School, it is one of the oldest medical schools in South Asia. The college was named after Sir Salimullah (1871–1915), a notable Muslim statesman and philanthropist of British India. Over the years, SSMC has evolved into a prominent institution for medical education and research in Bangladesh.

History

The inception of Sir Salimullah Medical College dates back to 1875 when it was founded as Dhaka Medical School. Initially, it was established to meet the growing need for medical professionals in the Bengal Presidency of British India. The school was later upgraded to a college in 1962 and was renamed after Sir Salimullah in recognition of his contributions to the health sector and education in the region. Since its establishment, the college has played a pivotal role in healthcare education, providing generations of physicians with comprehensive medical training.

Campus

The campus of Sir Salimullah Medical College is located in Mitford, Dhaka, adjacent to the Mitford Hospital, the oldest hospital in Bangladesh. The college boasts a sprawling campus with several academic and administrative buildings, a library, hostels for students, and sports facilities. The campus's architecture reflects a blend of colonial and modern styles, providing an environment conducive to learning and research.

Academic Programs

Sir Salimullah Medical College offers a five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree program, followed by a one-year internship. The curriculum is designed in accordance with the guidelines of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) and includes a comprehensive study of medical sciences, practical clinical skills, and community health. The college also offers postgraduate training and research opportunities in various medical specialties.

Admission

Admission to the MBBS program at Sir Salimullah Medical College is highly competitive. Candidates are selected based on their performance in a national medical admission test conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of Bangladesh. The admission process is designed to ensure that only the most qualified and motivated students are granted the opportunity to pursue medical education at SSMC.

Facilities

SSMC is equipped with modern medical facilities and resources to support the education and training of its students. The college has well-equipped laboratories, a central library with a vast collection of medical textbooks and journals, and digital resources. Clinical training is primarily conducted at the attached Mitford Hospital, which serves as a teaching hospital. This allows students to gain hands-on experience in patient care and to familiarize themselves with a wide range of medical conditions.

Alumni

Over the years, Sir Salimullah Medical College has produced thousands of medical graduates who have gone on to achieve distinction in various fields of medicine, both in Bangladesh and abroad. The alumni network is active in contributing to the development of the college and in mentoring current students.

Challenges and Future Directions

Like many medical institutions in developing countries, SSMC faces challenges such as resource constraints, overcrowding, and the need for technological upgrades. However, the college is committed to overcoming these challenges through continuous improvement of its facilities, curriculum, and teaching methodologies. The future direction of SSMC includes expanding its research capabilities, enhancing the quality of medical education, and fostering international collaborations.