Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) is a prominent public medical college and hospital situated in the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh. This institution functions as both a medical school and a tertiary care hospital on a unified campus. Since its establishment, Dhaka Medical College has played a pioneering role in dispersing medical education among aspiring medical professionals in Bangladesh.
The attached hospital provides affordable healthcare services to a substantial number of patients through its outdoor, indoor, and emergency facilities. DMCH holds the distinction of being the oldest tertiary-level hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its journey commenced on July 10, 1946, a date commemorated as DMC Day.
Initially, it was established as a 200-bedded field hospital to serve the British Indian armed forces. Major W. J. Virgin, a British officer, served as the first principal and also chaired the establishment committee.
Key Highlights:
- Established in 1946 during British colonial rule.
- Has evolved into Bangladesh’s largest hospital with a current capacity of 2300 beds following the addition of 500 beds in 2013.
- Offers a wide spectrum of medical services across 42 departments.
- Is affiliated with the University of Dhaka.
II. Historical Background and Significance
DMCH was established in 1946 during British colonial rule. The Partition of India in 1946 significantly influenced its early development, leading to the transfer of advanced students, lecturers, and professors from Calcutta Medical College to the newly formed institution. Initially, the college and hospital comprised only four departments: medicine, surgery, gynecology, and otolaryngology. The first superintendent of the hospital was British Major WJ Virgin.
Over time, DMCH has undergone substantial growth and expansion. Starting with an original capacity of 100 beds or 200 beds, the hospital now operates with approximately 2300 beds. This expansion includes a college building with a new extension, an auditorium, a Nuclear Medicine Centre, male and female dormitories, burn units, and other essential facilities, all situated across approximately 25 acres of land.
The historical significance of DMCH extends beyond its role in healthcare. It served as the epicenter of the Language Movement (1948-1952), with the Dhaka Medical College dormitory (Barrack) being a central point of activity. Tragically, students of the college made the ultimate sacrifice for this cause. The Shaheed Minar, a monument commemorating the martyrs of the Language Movement, was initially established within the DMCH compound. Furthermore, during the Liberation War of 1971, numerous students and doctors from the institution were directly and indirectly involved in the struggle for independence.
“DMC Day” is celebrated annually on July 10th to mark the commencement of academic classes. Throughout its history, Dhaka Medical College has produced over 10,000 doctors who have made significant contributions to society.
III. Academic Programs and Affiliations
Dhaka Medical College has consistently played a pioneering role in dispersing medical education in Bangladesh. It offers an MBBS degree, with English as the medium of instruction.
The MBBS course spans 5 years, followed by a mandatory 1 year of internship. The academic curriculum is divided into four professional MBBS examinations:
- First Professional: Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry (1 year and 6 months).
- Second Professional: Community Medicine and Forensic Medicine (1 year).
- Third Professional: Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Microbiology, and Pathology (1 year).
- Final Professional: Medicine and allied subjects, Surgery and allied subjects, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology (1 year and 6 months).
DMCH has numerous affiliations and recognitions from esteemed organizations:
- Associated with the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC).
- Officially approved.
- Associated with the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Associated with the National Medical Council (NMC).
- Associated with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
- Associated with UNESCO.
- Affiliated with the University of Dhaka.
- The degrees awarded by DMCH are recognized by various countries.
The college and hospital encompass 42 departments, including:
- Basic Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine.
- Pathology.
- Pharmacology.
- Medicine and Allied subjects.
- Surgery and Allied subjects.
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Specialized departments such as Burn & Plastic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Casualty Department, Dermatology Department, Endocrinology Department, Gastroenterology Department, Gynae & Obs Department, Hematology Department, Hepatology Department, Laboratory Medicine, Neonatology Department, Nephrology Department, Neuro Surgery Department, Neurology Department, Ophthalmology Department, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Pediatric Department, Pediatric Hematology-oncology, Pediatric Surgery, and Urology Department.
IV. Hospital Services and Facilities
Dhaka Medical College Hospital is a tertiary care hospital providing advanced medical treatment. With a bed capacity of approximately 2300 beds, it stands as the largest hospital in Bangladesh. The hospital offers comprehensive medical services across its 42 departments.
DMCH is particularly renowned for its specialized services, including:
- Comprehensive emergency and trauma services.
- A dedicated burn unit.
- A well-established cardiology department.
The Outpatient Department (OPD) operates every day except Fridays and government holidays, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The Emergency Department remains open 24 hours a day, every day.
Additional facilities available at DMCH include:
- A Nuclear Medicine Centre.
- A bone marrow transplantation facility.
- Laboratories.
- A computer network with internet access.
- Ancillary services.
- Transportation for college students.
- A cafeteria and canteen serving fresh and sanitary food.
V. Admission Information (Primarily for Foreign/Indian Students)
The following information pertains primarily to foreign students, with a specific focus on eligibility criteria for Indian students.
Eligibility Criteria (for Indian Students):
- Candidates must have a qualifying NEET score.
- A minimum aggregate of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is required.
- A 40th percentile in NEET is necessary for SC/ST/OBC category students.
- Successful completion of 10+12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Biology, English, and Chemistry is mandatory.
- A minimum GPA of 9.00 after equivalency with SSC and HSC, with a separate minimum of 3.5 in each, is required.
- A minimum GPA in Biology of 3.5 is also necessary.
- Students in the other category must achieve a total of 45 percent in PCB subjects.
- Students from the ST/SC/OBC categories must achieve a total of 50 percent in PCB subjects.
Admission Process:
- Interested students must complete the online application form available on the official website with the required information.
- Applicants need to upload scanned copies of all necessary academic documents.
- Upon review of the application, eligible candidates will receive an offer letter from Dhaka Medical College Bangladesh.
- Following the offer letter, applicants are required to pay the first year tuition fees at Dhaka Medical College in Bangladesh.
- Applicants must then proceed to apply for the visa process as soon as possible. The visa processing typically takes around 30 days.
Required Documents:
- O-level (SSC) certificate with a minimum of 5 subjects.
- Advanced Level (Equivalent to HSC) Certificate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- 12th-grade completion certificate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Attested photocopies (from the country’s foreign ministry) of:
- High school or college certificates.
- Marking/grading sheets.
- Certificate of Completion of High School (Testimonial).
- Passport photocopy.
- Two passport-size photographs.
Notably, no donation is required for Indian students seeking admission to the MBBS program.
Hostel and Accommodation:
Dhaka Medical College Hospital provides separate hostel facilities for male and female students equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort.
VI. Research and Publications
Dhaka Medical College and Hospital has a notable research output in biological sciences and health sciences. Based on data from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, DMCH has an overall Count of 3 and a Share of 0.05 in research output.
Leading research topics include Clinical Sciences, with a Count of 3 and a Share of 0.05.
DMCH engages in both international and domestic collaboration in research:
- International collaboration involves 98 institutions, accounting for 99.6% of the collaboration share.
- Domestic collaboration occurs with 1 institution, representing 0.4% of the collaboration share.
The Nature Index serves as a source for this research output data.
VII. Practical Information for Patients and Visitors
DMCH provides various online services to facilitate patient access:
- Information and video guides are available for E-Ticketing.
- A Telemedicine Roster is accessible.
- Ambulance service can be availed through a dedicated app.
- User fee payment can be made via bKash and Nagad mobile financial services.
Process information is available for navigating the hospital services:
- Process from the emergency department.
- Process from the outdoor patient department.
- Admission system.
Information regarding fees is also provided:
- Cabin and paying bed fees.
- All user fees.
A Location Chart of DMCH is accessible. Patients can also find information on how to retrieve their test reports online.
VIII. Vision, Mission, and Quality
The mission of Dhaka Medical College Hospital is to deliver superior healthcare services, foster medical education, and lead in medical research in Bangladesh. The institution aims to serve the healthcare needs of the Bangladeshi population with a focus on accessibility and high-quality care.
DMCH is committed to providing high-quality healthcare, leveraging advanced medical technologies and methodologies to ensure effective patient care and treatment outcomes.
General feedback suggests that Dhaka Medical College Hospital is a cornerstone of medical care in Bangladesh, widely recognized for its comprehensive services and dedication to patient care.