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Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) – Comprehensive History &  Overview

Introduction and Strategic Importance

Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) stands as one of Bangladesh’s premier government-run tertiary healthcare and teaching hospitals, deeply rooted in the medical development of the southeastern region. It functions not only as a critical service provider for millions of people but also as the primary clinical training ground for one of the country’s most historic medical colleges—Chattogram Medical College. CMCH’s evolution reflects broader shifts in the nation’s health infrastructure and underscores its role as a core referral center for complex and critical care.

Foundational History and Early Development

The roots of CMCH trace back to the early 20th century with the establishment of the Chittagong General Hospital in Anderkilla in 1901. This institution laid the groundwork for formalized medical education and service in Chattogram. In 1927, the Chittagong Medical School was inaugurated on the General Hospital premises, offering a four-year Licentiate in Medicine and Pharmacy (LMP) program aimed at addressing acute shortages of trained health practitioners in the then British Indian territory.

The modern iteration began with the establishment of Chittagong Medical College in 1957, making it the second oldest government medical college in what was then East Pakistan. The College was founded to elevate medical education standards and meet burgeoning healthcare needs. Initial instruction focused on foundational disciplines, while the associated hospital functioned in early facilities before evolving into a purpose-built clinical complex.

Institutional Establishment and Growth of the Hospital

The teaching hospital formally materialized adjacent to the college in 1960, beginning with a modest 120 beds and outpatient services. At that time, the primary clinical departments were Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, while the older General Hospital served allied specialties.

In 1969, construction of a new six-storied purpose-built hospital structure was completed, significantly expanding clinical capacity and consolidating all major departments under a unified facility. Over the decades, CMCH expanded incrementally:

• 1970s–1990s: Progressive expansion of bed capacity and clinical services, aligning with national public health goals.

• 1990s–2000s: Introduction and growth of specialized units, including advanced diagnostics, radiology, and intensive care services.

• Administrative approvals in the 2010s facilitated further capacity growth, with CMCH reaching authorization to operate over 1,300 beds.

Today, CMCH operates as a tertiary level hospital with approximately 2,200 beds, making it one of Bangladesh’s largest government medical institutions. Its scale, range of specialties, and integration with teaching and training systems enable it to serve a vast patient population drawn not only from Chattogram but also neighboring districts and tribal areas.

Academic and Clinical Integration

As the official teaching hospital of Chattogram Medical College, CMCH serves a dual purpose:

• Clinical Service Provision: The hospital delivers a full spectrum of medical, surgical, and specialized care—ranging from emergency medicine to cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, and obstetrics. Its departments provide high-volume inpatient and outpatient services daily.

• Medical Education and Training: CMCH is the primary clinical training site for undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, facilitating real-world experience in patient care, surgical practice, and advanced diagnostics. Residents and interns refine competencies in environments that mirror national health challenges.

The hospital’s association with a broad range of medical and allied health specialties underpins its role in shaping Bangladesh’s healthcare workforce. It contributes to both immediate clinical needs and long-term professional development of physicians, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals.

Clinical Achievements and Capabilities

CMCH’s growth is underscored by its evolution into a regional referral center, equipped to manage complex cases and advanced procedures. The hospital’s infrastructure now includes:

• Specialized wings for intensive care, neonatology, cardiology and cardiac interventions, neurology, oncology, and more.

• High-end diagnostic technologies and imaging services supporting complex case evaluations.

• Structured emergency response and trauma care frameworks, aligned with national standards.

This transformation from a modest outpatient facility to a comprehensive tertiary hospital reflects strategic investments in public health capacity and clinical excellence.

Healthcare Impact and Regional Role

As a government hospital, CMCH plays a central role in public healthcare delivery. It consistently serves as a key node in Bangladesh’s referral network, providing care to patients from Chattogram district and across the broader southeastern region, including Bandarban, Rangamati, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, and beyond. It also supports emergency referral pathways and specialist consultations for complex conditions.

The hospital’s performance has been recognized in national health system evaluations, where it often features among the top medical college hospitals in terms of facility scoring and service footprint.

Institutional Mission and Public Service Mandate

CMCH’s core mission centers on delivering safe, accessible, and high-quality healthcare while upholding its educational mandate. It operates under the governance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and aligns with national priorities for preventive health, equitable access, and capacity building.

Its commitment to public service is highlighted by:

• Free and subsidized care provisions in designated units for vulnerable populations.

• Training programs integrated into national and international medical standards.

• Community health outreach and preventive care initiatives.

Conclusion: Legacy and Future Outlook

Chattogram Medical College Hospital stands as a testament to sustained investment in public health and medical education. From its origins tied to colonial era medical training to its present status as a comprehensive tertiary referral institution, CMCH exemplifies a robust model of integrated healthcare and academic excellence. Its ongoing expansion, specialization, and service evolution continue to shape health outcomes for millions and support the training of the next generations of healthcare professionals in Bangladesh.