It is predicted that during the forecast period of 2020-2027, the worldwide medical education segment would expand moderately. By the end of 2027, the market value is anticipated to have increased by 4.2 percent CAGR, reaching $44 Billion. Investments in medical education have been sparked by the infrastructure for healthcare's rapid developments. With the administration's ambition to achieve the 3As of healthcare -- Affordability, Accessibility, and Availability, the Indian healthcare industry has advanced substantially in the last decade. Given that more than 10% of physicians in the US are of Indian descent and that more than 20,000 of them work for the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, India has the potential to become a global center for the delivery of healthcare. Given that India's medical education concentrates on skill enhancement, the fact that Indian healthcare professionals are widely seen as competent professionals attests to the nation's medical education meeting international standards. This represents a significant driver of growth since it can make the nation more independent and provide healthcare assistance to other nations.
One of the pioneering medical educational institutes in India imparting exceptional education and training to future doctors is Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences. Founded in 2001, SMIMS, an institute of SMU (Sikkim Manipal University), came into existence in 1995 and is the first Indian university to be formed through a government-private partnership. SMIMS became the first private medical institute in the State of Sikkim. Recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), University Grants Commission (UGC) approved by the Government of India, and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences has stimulated its students to serve locally, nationally and internationally, putting in devoted efforts and sticking to the highest standards of work ethics, and to push the frontiers of knowledge and educational innovation with distinction. Sikkim Manipal University is NAAC A+ accredited university and the only University in the East to be graded A+.
Vision & Mission Guiding SMIMS's Agendas Working on its vision to attain `Global leadership in human development, excellence in education and healthcare' and its mission to `procreate, nurture and develop professionals of excellent technical caliber in the field of Health Sciences, with a humane approach, capable of shouldering the responsibility towards building the nation with global competence', SMIMS has been excelling in all verticals of imparting knowledge, whether it is exceptional classroom teaching, unmatched practical experiences, or focusing on the holistic development of students, thereby encouraging academic as well as personal growth.
Promising Educational Track
To ensure that quality education is imparted to the students, SMIMS not only focuses on the courses offered but also pays great attention to the skills of its faculty members. All SMIMS faculty members at SMIMS are required to enroll in the `Basic in Medical Science' course at the Regional Centre. "Our teaching and learning practices are conducive towards developing sustained focus and motivation essential for academic success, which is further strengthened by our research, scholarship opportunities, and benevolent practices", says Murlidhar V. Pai, Dean, SMIMS. The Institute in addition to the primary 4-year MBBS degree offers a range of specialized courses as well. The stunning infrastructure, detailed coursework, and multiple workshops, all contribute to the holistic development of the students. To make educational facilities more affordable, the institute also offers a number of scholarship opportunities to meritorious students.
For undergraduate students, SMIMS offers a four-and-a-half-year MBBS curriculum in addition to a one-year internship at the Central Referral Hospital. The Departments of Anaesthesia, Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Community Medicine, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Physiology offer a one-year MD postgraduate programme. The Departments of Orthopaedics, ENT, and OBG offers a three-year MS postgraduate programme. The Departments of Surgery and Radiology offers a two-to-three-year DNB programme. Along with UGG and the Indian government, the National Medical Commission of India recognizes MBBS, MD, and MS programmes. Additionally, starting in 2019, SMIMS added Paramedical Diploma Courses in Radiodiagnosis, Cardiac Cath Lab Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, and others.
As far as Infrastructure is concerned, SMIMS has it all. Smart classes, Online & Offline LMS, MedAce (learning content from MAHE), Hands-on practical classes, library with 18,000+ books (onsite, Online & Offline content for Curriculum Support), sporting areas, WIFI, a hostel for boys and girls, student health support, free medical insurances, canteens, cultural, social, academic and research-based extension activities, and mental health support are some of the 100+ facilities provided. In the past three years, SMIMS, SMU has built up so much infrastructure that any student enrolled in SMIMS would receive a superior education on par with internationally renowned and prestigious medical colleges in India.
In addition to excellent academic opportunities, the institute also offers various extracurricular opportunities to the students. Academica hosts debates, quizzes, themed discussions, and presentations. AURA is an annual cultural and athletic event hosted by SMIMS. The annual student research colloquium/student conference hosts research presentations which offer another great opportunity for students for polishing their research skills. The winner of their annual student research colloquium has previously been sent to Army Medical College in Pune and MAHE Manipal to participate in student research conferences.
Placement Opportunities
Except in the fields of patient care and research, collaboration in the healthcare sector is scarce. As a result, the Government of Sikkim refers patients to the CRH-hospital affiliated with SMIMS, and our students visit the government hospital for a greater hands-on patient experience. SMIMS and its faculties collaborate on research with numerous national and international universities, including McGill University, the University of Bristol, the University of Florida, and many others. After the final year of studies, a 1-year internship is given at CRH, which is connected to SMIMS. The students graduating from SMIMS are guided by the tools and hands-on experience which automatically makes them highly employable for hospitals. The 1-year internship offered post-completion ensures a smooth transition from an academic to a working environment.
Future Roadmap
According to India Today Ranked India's Best Medical College Survey, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences is currently ranked among the TOP 10 medical schools in India founded after the year 2000. SMIMS has maintained its TOP 10 ranking throughout the past four years. The Outlook-Icare ranking organization recently ranked SMIMS as the TOP 8 private medical institution in India with a score of 70 percent in academics and research excellence. Unavoidably, SMIMS earns a TOP 1 ranking as the top medical school in India's Eastern region. Therefore, their reputation is evidence of the calibre and accomplishments of their faculty, the exceptionally talented students SMIMS draws, and the success of their medical graduates. "We are driven by commitment & service to all", adds Murlidhar V. Pai.
To further achieve its ultimate vision, the institute has created a clear-cut plan as per which they aim to be independent in terms of staff and facilities. Post-graduate degrees in every topic and hyper-specialization in important fields are things that the institute is working on introducing into its curriculum. Further, SMIMS aims to be among the top 25 in the Government of India's NIRF ranking. Lastly, in addition to the east, SMIMS aspires to be the most sought-after college nationwide.
Dr. Muralidhar V. Pai is passionate about patient care and teaching. Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology he aims at equipping every student with adequate knowledge and skill to ensure that no mother dies while giving birth. With an exemplary academic and professional career, he has won several awards in all his positions. Personal Integrity and hard work are some principles close to his heart and which he carries with him in practicing and teaching students about ethical medical practice. Outside of his professional life, he is also a great believer in justice, equality, and humanity. In his free time, he enjoys music, philosophy, and painting.
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