Jamshedpur: Droupadi Murmu on Thursday visited Manipal Tata Medical College (MTMC), describing it as a transformative institution strengthening medical education and healthcare infrastructure in Jharkhand. MTMC is a premier constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
The President was warmly received by Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor of Jharkhand; Irfan Ansari, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Jharkhand; Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE; Somnath Das, Group President, Manipal Education & Medical Group; and D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel.
The visit began with group photographs involving faculty members, management and students, followed by the plantation of a Miyazaki mango sapling, symbolising growth and a commitment to sustainability.
Addressing the gathering at T.M.A Pai Hall, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the landmark policy decision of the Government of India in 2019 that enabled the establishment of the country’s first private consortium model medical college — MTMC. He noted that Tata Main Hospital, provided by Tata Steel, serves as the teaching hospital for the institution. The first batch of 150 MBBS students, admitted in the academic session 2020–21, is scheduled to graduate in March 2026.
The Vice Chancellor also referred to MAHE’s rich legacy in medical education, acknowledging the visionary leadership of Dr. Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor, MAHE, and Dr. Ranjan Pai, President, MAHE Trust. He recalled that Manipal established India’s first private medical college in 1953 and later the first public-private medical college in Sikkim.
During her interaction with students, second-year MBBS student Smt. Purnima Hembram shared her inspiring journey of balancing marriage, motherhood of three children and medical studies. Coming from a village in Jharkhand, she expressed her determination to serve rural and underprivileged communities as a doctor.
The President lauded her resolve and urged the entire MTMC community to draw inspiration from her dedication. She praised the Manipal Group’s legacy and noted that MTMC has built a strong reputation in the region within just six years of its establishment. Expressing her warmth for the institution, she remarked that she felt completely at home during her visit to the MTMC campus.
