Kolkata’s Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), popularly known as PG Hospital or SSKM, has earned a major milestone in medical research. The Department of Health Research under the Union Health Ministry has recognised its Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit as a Centre of Research Excellence (CORE).
With this honour, PG has become the only institution in eastern and north-eastern India to receive the central recognition. The state health department announced the achievement on Tuesday through its official X handle. According to officials, this status is expected to significantly enhance the institute’s research profile and open up wider national-level opportunities.
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Sources in the Union Health Ministry said that after reviewing the research capabilities and submitted projects of government medical colleges and research centres across the country over the past year, eight institutions were recommended for the distinction. Along with PG, the list includes King George’s Medical University (Lucknow), University College of Medical Sciences (Delhi), Madras Medical College (Chennai), Armed Forces Medical College (Pune), Institute of Medical Sciences under Banaras Hindu University, AIIMS Rishikesh, and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (Srinagar).
PG Director Manimoy Bandyopadhyay said, “This recognition will undoubtedly increase our responsibilities and accountability as an institution.”
Health department sources revealed that PG had submitted three key research projects- advanced tuberculosis treatment methods, liver cancer research, and improvements in newborn care standards. The recognition was reportedly granted based on the quality of research, practical applicability, and multidisciplinary capabilities. It is expected to strengthen advanced research on complex diseases and expand modern training opportunities for doctors, researchers, and students.
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The institute had earlier received a state-level Centre of Excellence tag in October 2021 for excellence in medical education, research and healthcare services. With the new central recognition, the research infrastructure is set to be further strengthened. Hospital sources said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has already sanctioned nearly ₹3 crore for infrastructure development.
Medical experts believe this recognition will encourage greater collaboration between PG and leading institutions across the country, while also accelerating the delivery of advanced medical research and technology to the public.
