The Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital are at a very important stage in their history, in that, medical education in Madras has been imparted for more than one and a half centuries. On 7th of February 1835, this great institution was founded as a medical school imparting modern medical education by an order of the East India Company. From then on succeeding Governments have regularised and organised modern medical teaching in this institution raising it to the present position. With a bare minimum of ten students intake in 1835, in 1985 the college now has an annual intake of 175 students for MBBS and roughly 400 to 500 students for Post-graduate medical degrees and diplomas. The attached medical institutions have a coverage of about 6000 beds and cater not only to the instructional needs of the students but also as a major source of medicare for the entire city of Madras and the state plus the adjoining areas, as well. This development has been phenomenal and is mainly due to the munificence of the public, the Government and the co-operation of the entire population. What was proposed to cater to the needs of the city alone has now grown to an enormous size comprising about 40 acres of land in which there are now two institutions. On an average the college turns out 150 to 160 graduates every year. It caters to the needs of Madras population, treating about 25 lakhs out-door patients and about one lakh indoor patients every year. This volume of work is completely met by the student trainees, doctors as well as senior teachers. This institution has had great names associated with it, bringing fame and name to this country all over the world.

Any list of towering personalities, who served and passed through the portals of the institution is bound to be too long. But mention must be made of personalities like Dr. James Anderson, Dr. James Annesley, and Lt. Col. Donovan, who investigated the cause of KALAZAAR in the wards of this institution itself. Notable among the Indians are Dr. Guruswami Mudaliar, Sir A.L.Mudaliar, Col. Pandalai and Dr. S. Rangachari. Today this institution has spread its wings into a multifold post-graduate institution with 52 Specialists, 170 Professors, 600 Assistant Medical Officers, about 1400 under graduates and 1000 post-graduates and a host of staff to cater to the needs of the state and the neighbouring states. Higher specialities of cardiac catheterisation labs, genetic laboratory, CT scan devices, immunological laboratories, and ultra structural laboratory, apart from animal and tissue laboratories are some of the latest modalities available in the Madras Medical College.

(Text Courtesy: Medical College, Madras).

The Indian Postal Department is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the, completion of 150 years by this premier institute of medical education in Madras and the country.

Description of Design: The 100 p stamp has been designed by India Security Press, Nasik. The First Day Cover shows a view of the College. The cancellation has been designed by Nenu Bagga.

Date of Issue: 6.3.1985