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HISTORY OF GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE, KOTTAYAM
During the end of the 9th century the major kingdoms of South India were the Cholas, Pandyas, Sathyaputhra and the Cheras. The Cheras ruled over the Kerala region. Around this time another kingdom called 'Vempolinad' came to existence. It was further divided into 'Thekkumkoor' and 'Vadakkemkoor'. Kottayam was mainly ruled by Thekkumkoor who had their base at Venmoni and Thalikotta near Kottayam. Vadakkemkoor kingdom had their base in Kidangoor and later Vaikom. It is curious to note that the Kudamaloor region was owned by Chempakassery Raja of Ambalappuzha. He was instrumental in the formation of the Kudamaloor Church 1000 years back.
ARPOOKARA
The name Arpookara came into existence due to four reasons:
1.'Aarukalum pookkalum' – because this region had a lot of rivers and flowers.
2.This region was owned by 'Thiruvarppu devaswam', so thiruvarppukara became Arpookara.
3. Arumukhan kara became Arpookara.
4. The main reason cited is when Raja Chembakassery of Ambalappuzha travelled to Kudamaloor along the Meenachil river, people on the banks hailed him with 'aarppuvili', so came the name 'Aarppittakara' or ' Arpookara'.
FIRST MEDICAL COLLEGES IN KERALA
The first Medical College was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the 27th of November, 1951 at Trivandrum. Dr. C O Karunakaran was the main Architect of this premier institution.
The 2nd Medical college was inaugurated on the 5th of August 1957 by the Health Minister in the EMS ministry Dr. A R Menon at Calicut.
FORMATION OF KOTTAYAM MEDICAL COLLEGE
There were discussions for the 3rd Medical College in the state during the 3rd Five year plan in 1960.
When the Pattom Thanupilla Ministry came into existence. Even though premier districts like Ernakulam and Trichur stated their claims, it was none other than the Home minister P T Chacko who insisted that the 3rd Medical College should be at Kottayam. He was supported by Joseph Chazhikkadan, an MLA of PSP.
The first public request for a Medical College was done by Kurian Uthup, former Municipal Chairman of Kottayam on the 1st of August of 1960. Kurian Uthup (Municipal Vice chairman at that time) suggested that Kottayam who had a population of 16 lakhs should get the 3rd Medical College.But there was a tug of war between Arpookara and Thiruvanchoor for the site.
THE FIRST BATCH CONTROVERSY
There is a controversy about who exactly is the first batch of Kottayam Medical College. 1961 batch joined Trivandrum Medical College on the 19th of May 1961. They completed their first MBBS at Trivandrum itself and reached Kottayam on the 6th of January 1963.The 1961 batch claim that they were originally the first batch intended for Kottayam Medical College.
The 2nd batch also joined Trivandrum on the 1st of August 1962 but reached Kottayam on the 30th of November 1962. They claim that they are the first students to reach Kottayam Medical College.
The 3rd batch joined in 1963 and they claim that the first day of their MBBS started in Kottayam Medical College and they are indeed the true first batch.
THE BEGINNING
Dr. CM Francis was posted as the special officer and Principal of Medical college, Kottayam on the 4th of May, 1962. But the Health Minister V K Velappan unfortunately left to heavenly abode on the 26th of August, 1962 and M P Govindan Nair took over as the Health Minister. Pattom Thanupilla became the Punjab Governor and R. Sankar was sworn in as the Chief Minster on the 26th of September, 1962. MP Govindan Nair declared on October 21st 1962 that Kottayam Medical College will be shifted from Trivandrum. But historically a deterrent in the progress of the Medical College, was probably the sino-Indian war fought from October 20 1962 to November 21 1962. However on November 25, 1962 the students arrived from Trivandrum. "It was a rain drenched day", remembers Dr. V P Paily of the 1962 batch when they reached Kottayam on the black and white bus, a colour combination unique to the bus overloaded and the luggage mostly on the top. He also remembers that a magnanimous planter showed the first welcome gesture by paying the bill for all of us at 'Bestotel' owned by Raghavan.
 & M P GOVINDAN NAIR (HEALTH MINISTER).png)
On November 29, 1962, 75000 Sq. Feet building was ready for the College. Government Medical College Kottayam was formally inaugurated on the 3rd of December 1962 by the Chief Minister R. Sankar in a function presided by the Health Minister Sri. M PGovindan Nair (the present Travancore Devaswam Board President).
On the 6th of January 1963, the 1961 batch reached Kottayam. The first clinical class was taken on the 6th of January 1963 by Prof. K. Prarameswara Iyer (Former HOD Med). 11 girls and 17 boys were present in the class from the 31 who passed first MBBS from Trivandrum. Nine doctors including five professors were present at that time. They included Prof. C M Francis (Physiology), Prof. Mohandi (Anatomy), Prof. Yagna Narayana Iyer (Biochemistry), Prof. K. Parameswara Iyer (Medicine), Prof. Balsalam (Surgery). Prof. Issac Joseph, Professor of Community Medicine was to join soon. The blood bank of Kottayam Medical College was inaugurated on the 18th of January, 1963 by the Superintendent Prof K. Parameswaran.
The other prominent doctors in the District Hospital of Kottayam were the stalwarts, Dr. V O Sachariah (Former HOD ENT) and Dr. Pappachan.
STATISTICS OF 1963
In 1963, the number of beds were 289 compared with the present bed strength of 1110 (official) and average census of 1450 in 2015. The number of outpatients were 480718 and in patients 25114 in 1963. In 2014, the OP is about 7 lakhs and IP is 70000.
ROADS IN 1962-'63
The cardinal road of Medical College from Subramanya Swami Temple to Amalagiri was built after the formation of Medical College in the land acquired for the medical college. The bus route was from Kottayam to Subramanya Swami Temple Arpookara and then to Mannanam along a road which does not have a bus route now. Another route was from Athirampuzha to Amalagiri and then to the Main Central road to Adichira via Kannukulam. This Amalagiri Adichira road also does not have a bus route now. The approach road from Medical College to the Main Central road came in 1969 (construction from 1967-69). At the time of inception of the Medical college, this was only a narrow path in the middle of wide paddy fields. Bullocks carts trudged the road in front of the medical college at that time. So to get a bus the students had to go either to Arpookkara temple, Amalagiri or along the paddy fields to the main central road.
THE HILLS OF ARPOOKARA AND THE LAND ACQUISITION
It was Sreekumaran Moothathu of Padakassery illam, who donated the major share of the land for the construction of the Medical College.He initially gave 86 acres and there are reports that it was close to 116 acres or more.
The prominent hills of the Medical College are
1.'Panikkankunnu' which became the Medical College Hospital
2. 'Kozhimala' which became the ladies hostel, college office and now the Dental college.
3.'Kurukkan kunnu' which is the mens' hostel
4. 'Ettadikunnu' which became the Children Hospital (Institute of Child Health)
On November 9, 1965 KP Kesavamenon inaugurated the College Union.The first batch convocation was on the 24th of September, 1966 and Bhagavan Sahai, the Governor of Kerala was the Chief Guest and Kesavan Nair Presided over the function. Roy P. Thomas was the first Secretary General and M M Joseph was the first College Union President.
The Government Medical College Hospital Arpookara building was inaugurated on the 14th of April, 1970 by the health minister Sri. K M George. Dr. Mathew Varghese was the Superintendent at that time.
POST GRADUATE COURSES IN KOTTAYAM MEDICAL COLLEGE
PG Courses (MS Surgery & MD Medicine) started from 1973-74 (01.06.1973). ESI hospital with its quarters and campus was taken over from ESI Corporaton on payment and converted as Institute of Child Health (ICH) in April 1975, shifting the Paeds dept from DH Kottayam.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
College of Nursing Kottayam started functioning from May 1982 with 25 BSc (Ng) students. Due to lack of facilities at MCK, it was accommodated at the college of nursing TVM.
The new MC administrative block opened in Oct.1985. College of Nursing shifted to Gandhinagar in November 1985; started functioning in the space vacated by college office (present Dental College).
STAFF NITE
Prof. K P Paulose was the man instrumental behind the staff nite of Kottayam Medical college. He was
at Kottayam Medical College form 1979 to 1990. The first staff nite was in 1981, the second one in October 1986 and third one in April 1988.
THE PARENT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
The PTA of our college was formed on the 6th of August 1988 by Dr. Sara Varghese, the Principal.
CONVOCATIONS
The first ceremonial convocation was in Kottayam medical college on 1990. I am happy to note that all the convocations in our state followed this . It was Padmavibhooshan Jnanapeed award winner U. R. Ananthamurthy, the second vice chancellor of Gandhiji University (later Mahathma Ghandhi University), who was the chief guest.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Alumni Association was started at Kottayam Medical College fromthe 9th of November, 1977. Dr. Sivasankara Pillai was the President, Dr. Kasi Visweswaran, the Secretary, Dr. Indiradevi, Joint Secretary, Dr. AS Mathew, The Treasurer, Dr. Sankarapillai, Dr. Cherian PC and College Magazine 2014-15 16 Dr. Alice Thomas the Executive Committee members and Dr. Ramakrishna Iyer Dr. Neelakanda Sharma and Dr. C Radhakrishnan Auditors.
Next significant Alumni Get Together was on 17-08-1986 and Kanam Sankarapillai was the President, Ramakrishnan Nair, The Secretary and R N Sharma was the Treasurer.
ALUMNI GET TOGETHERS
2000 – Millennium Get together
2002 – Get together
2012 – Golden Jubilee Get together
STUDENT STRENGTH
1961 First batch (1961 batch) of 50 MBBS students were selected and accommodated at Medical College Thiruvananthapuram from 01.08.1961
1962 had 60 students.
1965 had 80 students
1977 Strength of admission were still at 80
1978 had 85 students Bed strength stood at 837
Annual intake of MBBS students increased to 100 in 1979
Annual intake of MBBS students was increased from 100 to 150 since 2006 admission.
During the end of the 9th century the major kingdoms of South India were the Cholas, Pandyas, Sathyaputhra and the Cheras. The Cheras ruled over the Kerala region. Around this time another kingdom called 'Vempolinad' came to existence. It was further divided into 'Thekkumkoor' and 'Vadakkemkoor'. Kottayam was mainly ruled by Thekkumkoor who had their base at Venmoni and Thalikotta near Kottayam. Vadakkemkoor kingdom had their base in Kidangoor and later Vaikom. It is curious to note that the Kudamaloor region was owned by Chempakassery Raja of Ambalappuzha. He was instrumental in the formation of the Kudamaloor Church 1000 years back.
ARPOOKARA
The name Arpookara came into existence due to four reasons:
1.'Aarukalum pookkalum' – because this region had a lot of rivers and flowers.
2.This region was owned by 'Thiruvarppu devaswam', so thiruvarppukara became Arpookara.
3. Arumukhan kara became Arpookara.
4. The main reason cited is when Raja Chembakassery of Ambalappuzha travelled to Kudamaloor along the Meenachil river, people on the banks hailed him with 'aarppuvili', so came the name 'Aarppittakara' or ' Arpookara'.
FIRST MEDICAL COLLEGES IN KERALA
The first Medical College was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the 27th of November, 1951 at Trivandrum. Dr. C O Karunakaran was the main Architect of this premier institution.
The 2nd Medical college was inaugurated on the 5th of August 1957 by the Health Minister in the EMS ministry Dr. A R Menon at Calicut.
JAWAHARLAL
NEHRU
DR. A. R.MENON
FORMATION OF KOTTAYAM MEDICAL COLLEGE
There were discussions for the 3rd Medical College in the state during the 3rd Five year plan in 1960.
PATTOM THANUPILLA
P. T. CHACKO
When the Pattom Thanupilla Ministry came into existence. Even though premier districts like Ernakulam and Trichur stated their claims, it was none other than the Home minister P T Chacko who insisted that the 3rd Medical College should be at Kottayam. He was supported by Joseph Chazhikkadan, an MLA of PSP.
GEORGE JOSEPH PODIPARA
V K VELAPPAN
The first public request for a Medical College was done by Kurian Uthup, former Municipal Chairman of Kottayam on the 1st of August of 1960. Kurian Uthup (Municipal Vice chairman at that time) suggested that Kottayam who had a population of 16 lakhs should get the 3rd Medical College.But there was a tug of war between Arpookara and Thiruvanchoor for the site.
THE FIRST BATCH CONTROVERSY
There is a controversy about who exactly is the first batch of Kottayam Medical College. 1961 batch joined Trivandrum Medical College on the 19th of May 1961. They completed their first MBBS at Trivandrum itself and reached Kottayam on the 6th of January 1963.The 1961 batch claim that they were originally the first batch intended for Kottayam Medical College.
The 2nd batch also joined Trivandrum on the 1st of August 1962 but reached Kottayam on the 30th of November 1962. They claim that they are the first students to reach Kottayam Medical College.
The 3rd batch joined in 1963 and they claim that the first day of their MBBS started in Kottayam Medical College and they are indeed the true first batch.
THE BEGINNING
R. SANKAR
MP GOVINDAN NAIR
Dr. CM Francis was posted as the special officer and Principal of Medical college, Kottayam on the 4th of May, 1962. But the Health Minister V K Velappan unfortunately left to heavenly abode on the 26th of August, 1962 and M P Govindan Nair took over as the Health Minister. Pattom Thanupilla became the Punjab Governor and R. Sankar was sworn in as the Chief Minster on the 26th of September, 1962. MP Govindan Nair declared on October 21st 1962 that Kottayam Medical College will be shifted from Trivandrum. But historically a deterrent in the progress of the Medical College, was probably the sino-Indian war fought from October 20 1962 to November 21 1962. However on November 25, 1962 the students arrived from Trivandrum. "It was a rain drenched day", remembers Dr. V P Paily of the 1962 batch when they reached Kottayam on the black and white bus, a colour combination unique to the bus overloaded and the luggage mostly on the top. He also remembers that a magnanimous planter showed the first welcome gesture by paying the bill for all of us at 'Bestotel' owned by Raghavan.
PROF. C. M. FRANCIS & V. V. GIRI
R SANKAR (CM) & M P GOVINDAN NAIR (HEALTH MINISTER)
PROF.PARAMESWARA IYER,C. M. FRANCIS & JUSTICE M K JOSEPH
On November 29, 1962, 75000 Sq. Feet building was ready for the College. Government Medical College Kottayam was formally inaugurated on the 3rd of December 1962 by the Chief Minister R. Sankar in a function presided by the Health Minister Sri. M PGovindan Nair (the present Travancore Devaswam Board President).
On the 6th of January 1963, the 1961 batch reached Kottayam. The first clinical class was taken on the 6th of January 1963 by Prof. K. Prarameswara Iyer (Former HOD Med). 11 girls and 17 boys were present in the class from the 31 who passed first MBBS from Trivandrum. Nine doctors including five professors were present at that time. They included Prof. C M Francis (Physiology), Prof. Mohandi (Anatomy), Prof. Yagna Narayana Iyer (Biochemistry), Prof. K. Parameswara Iyer (Medicine), Prof. Balsalam (Surgery). Prof. Issac Joseph, Professor of Community Medicine was to join soon. The blood bank of Kottayam Medical College was inaugurated on the 18th of January, 1963 by the Superintendent Prof K. Parameswaran.
The other prominent doctors in the District Hospital of Kottayam were the stalwarts, Dr. V O Sachariah (Former HOD ENT) and Dr. Pappachan.
STATISTICS OF 1963
In 1963, the number of beds were 289 compared with the present bed strength of 1110 (official) and average census of 1450 in 2015. The number of outpatients were 480718 and in patients 25114 in 1963. In 2014, the OP is about 7 lakhs and IP is 70000.
ROADS IN 1962-'63
The cardinal road of Medical College from Subramanya Swami Temple to Amalagiri was built after the formation of Medical College in the land acquired for the medical college. The bus route was from Kottayam to Subramanya Swami Temple Arpookara and then to Mannanam along a road which does not have a bus route now. Another route was from Athirampuzha to Amalagiri and then to the Main Central road to Adichira via Kannukulam. This Amalagiri Adichira road also does not have a bus route now. The approach road from Medical College to the Main Central road came in 1969 (construction from 1967-69). At the time of inception of the Medical college, this was only a narrow path in the middle of wide paddy fields. Bullocks carts trudged the road in front of the medical college at that time. So to get a bus the students had to go either to Arpookkara temple, Amalagiri or along the paddy fields to the main central road.
THE HILLS OF ARPOOKARA AND THE LAND ACQUISITION
SREEKUMARAN MOOTHATHU, PADAKASSERY
It was Sreekumaran Moothathu of Padakassery illam, who donated the major share of the land for the construction of the Medical College.He initially gave 86 acres and there are reports that it was close to 116 acres or more.
The prominent hills of the Medical College are
1.'Panikkankunnu' which became the Medical College Hospital
2. 'Kozhimala' which became the ladies hostel, college office and now the Dental college.
3.'Kurukkan kunnu' which is the mens' hostel
4. 'Ettadikunnu' which became the Children Hospital (Institute of Child Health)
Around 263 acres were taken for the Medical College. The Police Station, the KSEB substation, Water Authority, the Arpookara Vocational Higher Secondary School (8.5 acres, started in 1966), School of Medical education (1993), the road where all started from the land acquisition. Now about 243 acres of land is left for the Medical College.
On 17-09-1964, the Indian Medical Council team under the leadership of Dr. C S Patel, President, Dr. R M Kasaliwal, Dr. S P Nath, Dr. Amarchand and Dr. C O Karunakaran visited the campus.
They lauded the functioning of Kottayam Medical College. They also requested everyone to contribute handsomely to the Bidhan Chandra Roy (Second Chief Ministerof West Bengal, and on his birthday and death day (same) July 1 the doctors day is celebrated in India) Fund collection aimed atforming the B C Roy Awards.
Psychiatry OP was started on the 5th of March, 1965.
1961 BATCH - COLLEGE UNION INAUGURATION
On November 9, 1965 KP Kesavamenon inaugurated the College Union.The first batch convocation was on the 24th of September, 1966 and Bhagavan Sahai, the Governor of Kerala was the Chief Guest and Kesavan Nair Presided over the function. Roy P. Thomas was the first Secretary General and M M Joseph was the first College Union President.
The Government Medical College Hospital Arpookara building was inaugurated on the 14th of April, 1970 by the health minister Sri. K M George. Dr. Mathew Varghese was the Superintendent at that time.
POST GRADUATE COURSES IN KOTTAYAM MEDICAL COLLEGE
PG Courses (MS Surgery & MD Medicine) started from 1973-74 (01.06.1973). ESI hospital with its quarters and campus was taken over from ESI Corporaton on payment and converted as Institute of Child Health (ICH) in April 1975, shifting the Paeds dept from DH Kottayam.
COLLEGE OF NURSING
College of Nursing Kottayam started functioning from May 1982 with 25 BSc (Ng) students. Due to lack of facilities at MCK, it was accommodated at the college of nursing TVM.
The new MC administrative block opened in Oct.1985. College of Nursing shifted to Gandhinagar in November 1985; started functioning in the space vacated by college office (present Dental College).
STAFF NITE
DR. K P PAULOSE
THE PARENT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
The PTA of our college was formed on the 6th of August 1988 by Dr. Sara Varghese, the Principal.
CONVOCATIONS
Padmavibhooshan Jnanapeed award
winner U. R. Ananthamurthy
2nd VC Gandhiji University
DR. A P J ABDUL KALAM
Former President of India
The first ceremonial convocation was in Kottayam medical college on 1990. I am happy to note that all the convocations in our state followed this . It was Padmavibhooshan Jnanapeed award winner U. R. Ananthamurthy, the second vice chancellor of Gandhiji University (later Mahathma Ghandhi University), who was the chief guest.
2002 BATCH CONVOCATION
From Left to right
DR. P CHANDRAMOHAN(FORMER DME),
DR. A MEHARUNISA(PRINCIPAL),
DR. A P J ABDUL KALAM
PROF. (DR.) JANCY JAMES(FORMER VC MG UNIVERSITY)
DR. SUDHAYA KUMAR(FORMER DME)
DR. M N SASIKUMAR
2008 BATCH CONVOCATION CEREMONY
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Dr. Sivasankara Pillai
DME (1961)
Alumni Association was started at Kottayam Medical College fromthe 9th of November, 1977. Dr. Sivasankara Pillai was the President, Dr. Kasi Visweswaran, the Secretary, Dr. Indiradevi, Joint Secretary, Dr. AS Mathew, The Treasurer, Dr. Sankarapillai, Dr. Cherian PC and College Magazine 2014-15 16 Dr. Alice Thomas the Executive Committee members and Dr. Ramakrishna Iyer Dr. Neelakanda Sharma and Dr. C Radhakrishnan Auditors.
Next significant Alumni Get Together was on 17-08-1986 and Kanam Sankarapillai was the President, Ramakrishnan Nair, The Secretary and R N Sharma was the Treasurer.
Inauguration of Alumni Golden Jubilee Auditorium
by Hon. Chief Minister Oommen Chandi.
ALUMNI GET TOGETHERS
2000 – Millennium Get together
2002 – Get together
2012 – Golden Jubilee Get together
STUDENT STRENGTH
1961 First batch (1961 batch) of 50 MBBS students were selected and accommodated at Medical College Thiruvananthapuram from 01.08.1961
1962 had 60 students.
1965 had 80 students
1977 Strength of admission were still at 80
1978 had 85 students Bed strength stood at 837
Annual intake of MBBS students increased to 100 in 1979
Annual intake of MBBS students was increased from 100 to 150 since 2006 admission.
PADMA AWARDEES
DR. MATHEW SAMUEL
KALARICKAL
(1965 BATCH)
DR. PHILIP AUGUSTINE
(1965 BATCH)
DR. JOSE CHACKO
PERIAPURAM
(1970 BATCH)
Alumni Association
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KOTTAYAM MEDICAL COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
