The BMC-run KEM Hospital in Parel, a key medical institution in Mumbai and across India, has entered its centenary year, marking a proud milestone in its history. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised the importance of this milestone, stating that it should not only reflect on the past 100 years but also plan for the next century. He expressed his hope that this centenary year would result in meaningful contributions to society.
The centenary celebrations of Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital were inaugurated on Saturday morning at 11.00am by Fadnavis. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha; Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik; Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora; local MLA Ajay Choudhary; MLAs Kalidas Kolambkar and Rajhans Singh; Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani; Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr Vipin Sharma; Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Sanjay Kurhade and KEM Hospital Dean Dr Sangeeta Rawat.
“The state has adopted a policy to establish medical colleges in every district,” he said. Reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, he praised the commendable work of government hospitals, which saved countless lives. He also remarked on KEM Hospital’s familial approach to patient care, citing the Aruna Shanbaug case as an example of its compassionate ethos.
As part of the centenary celebrations, Fadnavis inaugurated a series of initiatives and laid the foundation stone for a proposed 21-story building for the hospital’s doctors and staff. A documentary showcasing KEM Hospital’s journey over the past century was also screened during the event.
The event began with an introductory speech by Dr Sangeeta Rawat, Dean of KEM Hospital. The ceremony witnessed a large gathering of doctors, professors and current and former students, celebrating the hospital’s illustrious history and its ongoing commitment to public health.
Genesis and foundation of GSMC
The Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College (GSMC), established in 1926, marks a significant milestone in the history of medical education in India. Its genesis was rooted in the need for an institution to address the increasing demand for skilled medical professionals in the country.
The initiative was led by Bombay Municipal Corporation, with Dr Jivraj Mehta playing a crucial role in shaping its vision. He introduced an integrated teaching and hospital system. The college was named in honour of Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas, whose family made a generous contribution to its establishment.
Alongside the GSMC, the King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital was constructed to provide clinical training and healthcare services. Together, the college and hospital became enduring symbols of excellence.
