Andhra Medical College: A Century of Excellence in Medical Education

Andhra Medical College (AMC), located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, stands as a beacon of medical education and healthcare service in India. Established on July 19, 1923, it proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest medical college in Andhra Pradesh and one of the top medical colleges in India. With the motto "Ne Quid Nimis" (Let there be nothing in Excess), AMC has been dedicated to nurturing medical professionals who embody excellence and ethical practice for over a century.

Historical Overview

The genesis of Andhra Medical College can be traced back to the representations of Telugu-speaking people, which prompted the then Madras Government to establish the Vizagapatam Medical College in 1923. The college was inaugurated on July 1, 1923, in a building originally constructed for the Medical School. This building, now the Anatomy Block, was constructed by Gode Chitti Janakayyamma, wife of Gode Narayana Gajapathi Rao.

Early Years and Development

The initial intake of the college was limited to 50 students, with preference given to those from Telugu districts. In 1926-27, construction of the Medical College was nearly complete, and the fifth and final year class commenced in July 1927. By this time, the college had gained full affiliation with Andhra University, and the first batch of medical students graduated in 1928.

A hostel to accommodate 48 male students was constructed between the college and hospital and was occupied in the year 1930-31. In 1936, recognizing the lack of female students, the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Sir C.R. Reddy, advocated for the construction of a women's hostel.

In 1936, Sir C.R. Reddy proposed renaming Vizagapatam Medical College as Andhra Medical College.

Centenary Celebrations and Modernization

AMC completed its centenary on July 19, the previous year. To commemorate this milestone, several initiatives have been undertaken, including the construction of the Centenary Alumni Block (CAB) funded by the alumni of AMC. The CAB will feature a 650-capacity auditorium, a ‘Hall of History’, ‘Legends of AMC’ and a library for students. Additionally, a new 200-room block is being constructed at the AMC Men’s Hostel for male PG students. A skill lab, constructed with Central government assistance, was recently inaugurated.

In 2020, modernization plans were unveiled, including the construction of vertical buildings to accommodate all departments of the college, with a sum of ₹120 crores earmarked for this purpose. The Panagal building is proposed to be demolished to make way for a seven-storey building.

Campus and Infrastructure

Andhra Medical College is located in Maharanipeta, Visakhapatnam, and boasts an urban campus. The college is affiliated with Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences. The campus includes various departments, hostels, and a central library.

Hostels

AMC features separate hostel facilities for men and women. The AMC Women's Hostel was built in 1942, while the AMC Men's Hostel, constructed in 1952, spans 18 acres (73,000 m2) and comprises 262 rooms.

Central Library

The Andhra Medical College Central Library was established in 1930, providing a vast collection of resources for students and faculty.

Academics and Programs

Andhra Medical College offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various medical disciplines. The college admits 250 undergraduate students (MBBS) and 212 postgraduate students per year, along with super specialty seats.

Departments

The college comprises numerous departments, each dedicated to specific medical fields:

Department of Anatomy: Established in 1923, with Capt. F. J. Anderson as the first Professor. The department features a museum and artificial human skeletons donated by Dr. R. Krishna Rao.
Department of Biochemistry: Started in 1925 as part of the Physiology department. Dr. V. K. Narayana Menon was the first professor.
Department of Cardiology: Established in 1971, featuring a 25-bedded ward with an Intensive Care Unit. A separate building was constructed for the department in 1981, which was upgraded to 36 beds and an 18-bedded Intensive Cardiac Care Unit.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery: Started in 1956 with Dr. B. Sundara Rama Murthy as the first professor.
Department of Medicine: Set up at the King George Hospital and upgraded in 1923. Dr. W. C. Gray was the first professor and head. The acute medical care unit operates 24 hours.
Department of Nephrology: Established by T.
Department of Neurosurgery: Started in 1956, the first neurosurgical unit of the united Andhra Pradesh. Dr. S. Balaparameswara Rao was its first professor and head. An exclusive unit of 'Head Injury and Intensive Care' was started in 1991.
Department of Orthopaedics: Set up in 1964 with Dr. C. Vyaghreswarudu as the head of department.
Department of Pathology: Started in 1923, with Dr. T. S. Tirumurti as its first professor. Postgraduate courses were started in 1946. The Cytology wing was started in 1996.
Department of Community Medicine: Established as the Department of Hygiene and Bacteriology in 1925, with Dr. C. Rama Murty as its first professor. It was renamed as Department of Social and Preventive Medicine in 1955 and later as the Department of Community Medicine.

MBBS Program

The MBBS program at Andhra Medical College is highly competitive, with admissions based on NEET UG scores through the Andhra Pradesh state counselling process. The college admits 250 students annually.

MBBS Seat Matrix:

MBBS: 250 Seats

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Admission:

Must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
Minimum 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC).
Must qualify NEET UG.
Must be 17 years old as on or before 31st December of the admission year.

Documents Required for MBBS Admission:

NEET Admit Card and Scorecard
10th & 12th Marksheets and Certificates
Transfer Certificate & Migration Certificate
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Andhra Pradesh Domicile Certificate (for state quota)
Valid Photo ID (Aadhar Card, Passport, etc.)
Passport-size photographs
Medical Fitness Certificate

Andhra Pradesh NEET UG Counselling Process

Admissions to 85% state quota seats are conducted through the Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences (YSRUHS).

Fee Structure

The tuition fees for Andhra Medical College are ₹40,250. Hostel, mess, and miscellaneous charges are extra, and the fee is subject to revision by the Andhra Pradesh state authorities.

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Affiliated Hospital: King George Hospital (KGH)

The teaching hospital attached to Andhra Medical College is King George Hospital (KGH), a government tertiary care hospital with a capacity of over 1,200 beds. KGH is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple operation theatres, specialty departments, diagnostic laboratories, and intensive care units. The hospital caters to thousands of patients daily, providing comprehensive clinical exposure to students.

Alumni

The alumni of Andhra Medical College are spread across the globe, with many holding top positions both within India and abroad. A significant number have settled in the United States, forming the AMC Association of North America (AMCANA).

Andhra Medical College Old Student's Association (AMCOSA) was formed by the efforts of Prof. P. Brahmayya Sastry and Dr. C. Vyaghreswarudu. The first AMCOSA day was celebrated on 28 January 1967.

Notable Faculty

Dr M Suryanarayana Murthy, professor of Ophthalmology, was considered one of the greatest teachers Andhra Medical College ever produced.

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