Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital: A Century-Old Pillar of Healthcare in Bihar
In the heart of north Bihar stands Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, an institution that has quietly shaped medical education and public healthcare for almost a hundred years. Located in Darbhanga, the college is not just a centre of learning; it is a lifeline for millions across the Mithila region.
Established in 1925, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (popularly known as DMCH) has grown with time, adapting to modern medical needs while carrying the weight of its rich history.
A Vision Rooted in History
The story of DMCH begins with the foresight and generosity of Rameshwar Singh of the Khandavala Dynasty. A known patron of education and public welfare, the Maharaja believed that quality medical care should not remain limited to major cities.
Historical accounts recall a significant moment in 1925, when the Prince of Wales—later Edward VIII—visited Bihar. During this visit, he was invited to see a medical school in Patna known as the Temple of Medical Learning. Deeply impressed by its functioning, the Prince offered, on behalf of the British government, to upgrade the institution into a full-fledged medical college.
What followed was an unexpected turn. While there were plans to relocate the medical school elsewhere in Bihar, the Maharaja proposed Darbhanga as its new home. His proposal was accepted, and with it began the journey of medical education in the region. The royal family donated nearly 300 acres of prime land between Darbhanga and Laheriasarai and contributed ₹6 lakh—a substantial amount at the time—to support the project.
Initially housed near today’s Lohia Chowk, the institution took firm roots when Maharaja Rameshwar Singh’s son, Kameshwar Singh, formally renamed and upgraded it as Darbhanga Medical College in 1946.
Academic Strength and Medical Education
Today, Darbhanga Medical College stands as one of Bihar’s leading government medical institutions. It is affiliated with the Bihar University of Health Sciences and functions under the academic framework laid down by the National Medical Commission.
The college offers a range of courses, including MBBS, BSc Nursing, and other medical and paramedical programmes. Admissions are conducted through the NEET examination, ensuring a merit-based and transparent selection process.
In the IIRF 2023 rankings, the college was placed 3rd in Bihar and 94th nationally—a reflection of its academic standing and clinical exposure.
The Hospital That Serves Millions
What truly defines DMCH is its hospital. For large parts of north Bihar, it is the first and often the only point of advanced public healthcare. Every day, thousands of patients walk through its gates, seeking treatment that ranges from routine consultations to complex medical interventions.
The sprawling campus includes multiple departments, specialty wards, and a busy two-storey outpatient block that rarely sleeps. Patients travel here not only from Darbhanga but also from Madhubani, Saharsa, Supaul, Samastipur, and neighbouring districts.
At one point, the Government of India had even identified the campus as a potential site for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), underlining its strategic importance in the region’s healthcare network.
More Than an Institution
Over the decades, Darbhanga Medical College has produced thousands of doctors who serve across India and beyond. Many alumni remember not just the lectures and long hospital duties, but also the unique responsibility of learning medicine while serving a largely rural and underserved population.
The campus itself reflects layers of history—colonial-era structures standing beside newer buildings, echoing both legacy and progress.
Looking Ahead
As Bihar continues to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital remains central to that effort. With better facilities, upgraded equipment, and continued academic focus, the institution is poised to serve future generations with the same spirit with which it was founded nearly a century ago.
In a region where access to quality healthcare can be a challenge, DMCH is more than a medical college. It is a symbol of vision, service, and resilience—quietly saving lives, one patient at a time.
