Medical education in India stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a range of challenges—from systemic inefficiencies in the admission process to pressing concerns over women’s safety in medical colleges and the ongoing debate over the NEET examination in certain states. Amid this uncertainty, the true beacon of progress lies in institutions that uphold a legacy of excellence and a commitment to quality education. Leading by example in this regard is ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad. Since admitting its inaugural batch of MBBS students in 2015 with a prime vision of accommodating the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota—the institution has continuously evolved. Today, it stands as a distinguished center for medical learning, earning the prestigious recognition as the Top Medical College in India 2024.
From the Scratch
ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, operates under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) was established under a special act of Parliament in 1948 to provide healthcare services to employees in the organized sector. Over the years, ESIC has significantly expanded its healthcare network and now operates approximately 165 hospitals, including 99 ESIS hospitals, 2,621 dispensaries, eight medical colleges, three postgraduate institutes, two nursing colleges, two paramedical colleges, and nearly 2,000 dispensaries.
ESIC ventured into medical education in 2011 with the establishment of five medical colleges, subsequently expanding its footprint in the sector. By 2025, it aims to increase the number of medical colleges to 18.
Till date, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, has successfully graduated five MBBS batches, while the first cohort of MD/MS students has recently completed their final examinations. Both the MBBS and MD/MS programs have received official recognition.
The institution has also introduced DM/MCh programs in six super-specialties, including cardiology, critical care medicine, medical oncology, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, and surgical oncology. Currently, it offers MD/MS programs in 23 specialties, DM/MCh programs in six super-specialties, Ph.D. programs in 10 disciplines, as well as Associate fellowship in industrial health (AFIH) and certificate courses.
Home to only the Best
ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, values its faculty members as the foundation of its operations. To recruit these skilled professionals, the institution follows three modes of faculty selection. Regular recruitment is carried out nationwide by ESIC headquarters under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, while the Dean has the authority to appoint faculty on a contractual basis for up to seven years. Also, the institution actively promotes faculty engagement in training programs and research activities to uphold academic excellence.
Expanding Healthcare Excellence
Home to a 920-bed facility equipped with a 125-bed ICU, which includes multi-disciplinary ICUs, neonatal ICUs, and pediatric ICUs, the Faridabad unit hospital features 13 operation theaters, a cath lab, emergency medicine services, and critical care units. It caters to more than 1 lakh OPD patients per month and performs approximately 850–900 major surgeries and 4,000–4,500 minor surgeries monthly.
To enhance its capacity, the government has approved the construction of an additional 500 bed superspecialities facility on the existing campus. The institution also provides hostel accommodations for undergraduate, postgraduate, and DM/ MCh students, as well as nursing staff. From 2025, nursing and paramedical courses are set to be introduced on campus. Additionally, efforts are underway to acquire 15 more acres from the Haryana government to further expand the infrastructure.
Advancing Medical Research and Occupational Health Initiatives
ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, places a strong emphasis on occupational health, ensuring that students gain hands-on exposure through industry visits. With a primary patient base comprising industrial workers, the institution facilitates regular student visits to workplaces to enhance their understanding of occupational diseases and preventive healthcare measures. Additionally, mobile health services, including diagnostic labs and treatment units, are deployed to industries where workers have limited access to medical facilities.
Strategically located in the Delhi-NCR region, the institution has established a world-class multidisciplinary research unit funded by Department of Health Research (DHR) Govt. Of India. and clinical trial center. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it played a crucial role in conducting vaccine trials approved by the Government of India. To date, faculty and researchers have published 700–900 research papers, including 250 in high-impact journals such as The Lancet, Nature, BMJ, and The New England Journal of Medicine.
The institution has secured research grants from prestigious organizations, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of AYUSH. Its collaborations span leading national and international institutions such as AIIMS Delhi, the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), King’s College London, Oxford University, and WHO. At present, 150-160 research projects are underway, including two of national significance, with the potential for groundbreaking advancements in remote healthcare access.
Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders
Dr. Anil Kumar Pandey, Dean of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, emphasized the institution’s commitment to ensuring promising career prospects for its students. ESIC follows a structured placement policy, offering all MBBS graduates employment opportunities across ESIC hospitals in India. Additionally, postgraduate students are required to serve for three years—one year at the same college and the remaining tenure at an ESIC hospital posted by ESIC HQ.
For those aspiring to enter private practice, the institution provides counseling and mentorship, guiding students in establishing their own clinics or pursuing specialized career paths.
With a strong focus on high-quality medical education, research, and infrastructure expansion, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, remains at the forefront of quality health care, medical education & Research in India. By fostering student development and innovation, it continues to shape a skilled healthcare workforce poised to make a significant impact on the nation’s healthcare ecosystem.
