History of RPGMC
The complete journey of RPGMC Kangra from its founding in 1996 to becoming a premier medical institution in Himachal Pradesh.
Foundation
The story of RPGMC begins with a noble vision. Rai Bahadur Jodhamal Kuthiala, a noted philanthropist, established a TB Sanatorium at Tanda, which was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, on 21st May 1958. This 47-acre self-contained complex would later become the nucleus of a premier medical institution.
In 1996, recognising the need for quality medical education in the northern region of Himachal Pradesh, the state government decided to establish a second medical college. Tanda was chosen for its strategic location, available infrastructure, and potential for expansion. The foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Sh. Virbhadra Singh on 23rd October 1996.
Timeline of Growth
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Foundation laid by Chief Minister Sh. Virbhadra Singh |
| 1999 | First batch of 50 MBBS students admitted after MCI approval |
| 2000 | First batch graduated; hospital services expanded |
| 2005 | Postgraduate programmes introduced |
| 2008 | 500-bed modern hospital and 700-seat auditorium inaugurated by Chief Minister Prof. P. K. Dhumal |
| 2010 | Super-specialty departments established |
| 2015 | New academic block inaugurated |
| 2019 | Digital transformation initiative launched in collaboration with NIT Hamirpur |
| 2020 | NMC recognition renewed; exemplary COVID-19 pandemic response |
| 2024 | Hospital bed capacity expanded; new PG programmes started |
| 2026 | Continuing expansion with new facilities and advanced equipment |
Infrastructure Development
The college has seen remarkable infrastructure growth:
- Academic Buildings: Spacious para-clinical block, lecture theatres complex, and a dedicated Anatomy block
- Hospital: Modern 500-bed hospital expanded to 1,000+ beds with state-of-the-art facilities
- Auditorium: Fully equipped 700-seat auditorium with modern audio-visual systems
- Library: Fully air-conditioned central library with extensive collection of medical literature
- Hostels: Four independent hostel buildings with modern amenities for students
- Residential: Over 200 residential units for faculty and staff, with more under construction
Advanced Equipment
RPGMC houses some of the most sophisticated medical equipment in the region, including:
- 1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner
- 16-slice CT Scan
- Chemiluminescence Micro Assay Instrument
- Fully automatic blood chemistry analysers
- Modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment across all departments
Commitment to a Ragging-Free Campus
As a tribute to the unfortunate demise of student Mr. Aman Satya Kachroo, the college has taken a firm pledge to maintain a “Zero Ragging Campus” and serve as a role model for institutions across India.