History and Tradition

It is not known exactly when and how the practice of western medicine started in Chittagong, the extreme southeastern part of the Indian Peninsula. No reliable information is available before the establishment in 1901 of a 200-bed “Chittagong General Hospital” over a hilltop at the downtown Anderkillah overlooking the river Karnafuli—the only modern hospital in the region at the time. This hospital served the entire population of Chittagong Division.

With the passage of time it was felt necessary to enhance healthcare facilities as well as the quality of healthcare. Consequently, a four-year Licentiate course in Medicine was introduced to produce sufficient numbers of mid-level physicians to serve mainly the rural population. One such institution, Chittagong Medical School, was established in Chittagong in 1927.

In 1957, Chittagong Medical College came into being. Befittingly, this institution earned admiration by actively participating in the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. Many students and teachers fought gallantly and contributed significantly to the final victory.