Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

The state of Uttarakhand has been bifurcated on the 9th November 2000 from the erstwhile state of Uttar Pradesh. Having a distinct geography, socio-economic, cultural heritage and different health seeking behaviours, the state planned to establish a Government Medical College at Dehradun along with two more medical colleges in pipeline.

The state of Uttarakhand was carved out from the erstwhile state of Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000. With its unique geographical features, diverse socio-economic and cultural heritage, and distinct health-seeking behaviors, the state recognized the need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure. To address these needs, the government planned the establishment of a Government Medical College in Dehradun, with two additional colleges proposed in the pipeline.

The primary objective of this medical college is to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to the people of the Garhwal region, particularly in tribal and underserved areas. Districts such as Uttarkashi, Tehri, and Dehradun will benefit significantly from improved access to healthcare, with Dehradun serving as a vital hub. As the gateway to the Garhwal region, Dehradun attracts patients from all seven districts of the area.

A government medical college in Dehradun will not only offer quality, subsidized healthcare to the general population but also serve as a center for producing well-trained doctors. This will help bridge the critical gap in skilled medical professionals across the state. Furthermore, the institution will promote advanced research and training in healthcare, especially in the context of the mid and upper Himalayan regions, with a focus on disaster management and mitigation.

The medical college is planned across two sites—one in Dehrakhas and the other in Central Dehradun. A total of 11.58 acres of land has been identified, demarcated, and officially transferred to the Medical Education Department at Dehrakhas, located approximately 4.5 kilometers from the proposed teaching hospital. The detailed project report (DPR) and architectural plans were approved by the Government of Uttarakhand, as per letter no. 1457/XXVIII(I)/2010-32/2009 TC1 dated 24th December 2011.

Construction of the administrative block and the departments of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Community Medicine is nearing completion. Work on the Central Library and residential accommodations for both faculty and students is progressing rapidly.

The proposed teaching hospital for the college is the historic Doon Hospital, established in 1935. It is a fully functional, state-of-the-art, ISO-certified facility with over 300 beds. The hospital is equipped with modern medical infrastructure, including a Central Laboratory, ICU, Emergency Services, advanced Operation Theatres, MRI, CT Scan, Colour Doppler, and a full complement of specialist medical staff.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening Uttarakhand’s healthcare delivery system and medical education landscape.