Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow

A Century of Excellence in Medical Education (1911–2011)

Introduction

Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University (CSMMU), Lucknow, formerly known as King George’s Medical College (KGMC), is one of the premier institutions of medical education in India. In 2011, the institution completed 100 years of academic service, marking a significant milestone in its contribution to healthcare, medical education, and research.

Genesis of the Institution

At the beginning of the 20th century, the acute shortage of medical and healthcare facilities in the then United Provinces was keenly felt by the public and community leaders. Their collective aspirations culminated on 26 December 1905, when the Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone of the proposed medical college during his visit to India.
The institution was named King George’s Medical College in honour of King George V.

Early Academic Development

The first batch of 31 students was admitted on 1 October 1911, even before the formal inauguration, which took place on 25 January 1912.
The Hospital Wing, known as King George’s Hospital, was formally inaugurated on 10 January 1914 by Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy of India. In the same year, the medical degree of KGMC received recognition from the General Council of Medical Education and Registration of the United Kingdom.
Eminent medical professionals such as Major W. Selby, Professor of Surgery, and Major G. A. Sprawson, Professor of Medicine, laid strong academic and clinical foundations for the institution.

Expansion of Medical Facilities

Over the decades, the institution witnessed steady growth with the establishment of key facilities, including:

• Hospital for Women (1932)
• Kasturba Tuberculosis Clinic and Hospital (1948)
• Dental College (1949)
• Gandhi Memorial Hospital (1951)
• 51-bed Children’s Hospital (1955)

After 1951, the hospital wing came to be known as the Gandhi Memorial & Associated Hospital.

Transition to a Medical University

In 2002, King George’s Medical College was upgraded to a Medical University. Subsequently, in 2007, it was rechristened as Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University (CSMMU), Lucknow, reflecting its expanded academic stature and role.

Infrastructure and Healthcare Services

The hospital complex covers an area of 88,000 square metres and has approximately 2,500 beds, with an occupancy rate ranging from 90% to 100%. The university offers speciality services across nearly all branches of medicine.
A major milestone was the commissioning of the Centenary Hospital in 2011, a state-of-the-art centre for clinical excellence. The institution follows an inclusive healthcare model, charging only a nominal amount for investigations and medical procedures.

Academic Strength and Patient Care

CSMMU has over 350 faculty members engaged in teaching, training, research, and patient care across 43 departments. Annually, the university caters to 6 to 6.5 lakh patients, underscoring its critical role in public healthcare delivery.

Medical Education and Training

Every year, the university produces approximately:

• 250 MBBS graduates
• 70 BDS graduates
• 174 postgraduates (specialisation)
• 25–30 super-specialisation graduates

Commemorative Postage Stamp

To mark the completion of 100 academic years of this illustrious institution, the Department of Posts joins the centenary celebrations by issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp, honouring the enduring legacy and contributions of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow.