India’s medical education system has seen significant growth over the past decade, raising concerns about the quality of training, infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified faculty. While this expansion reflects the nation’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges, there are ongoing worries that the quality of education hasn’t kept up with this rapid pace. However, this is not the case across the entire medical education landscape. Institutes like Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (SIMS & RC) have consistently demonstrated their excellence, offering an outstanding educational experience in all disciplines of Medicine and allied Health Sciences within a supportive environment.
SIMS & RC in a Nutshell
Established in 2011, just a year after the launch of Sapthagiri Hospital, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (SIMS & RC) was founded under the Sri Srinivasa Educational & Charitable Trust in Bangalore. Situated along Hesaraghatta Main Road, the institution was built to high standards on a vast campus. The institute is equipped with advanced medical technology, including a bi-plane cath lab, 128-slice CT, 1.5 Tesla MRI, and state-of-the-art lasers for dermatological and aesthetic treatments.
And in just over a decade, the hospital has expanded from 350 beds to a 1,700-bed facility, offering a wide array of speciality and super speciality services. This rapid growth and commitment to excellence have earned SIMS & RC recognition among Top Medical Colleges of India.
Academic Milestones and Quality Accreditations
Academically, the institute launched its UG MBBS program in 2011, followed by PG courses in pre- and para-clinical subjects in 2016, and clinical specialities in 2019. Super speciality courses, including DM and MCh, have been successfully running since 2021. In addition to enhancing patient care, the institute introduced Allied Health Sciences, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and Nursing programs in 2015.
SIMS & RC’s commitment to quality has been recognized through prestigious accreditations. It earned National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) certification in 2018 and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) certification in 2023.
Commitment to Academic Excellence and Student Development
At the medical college a well-organized mentor-mentee program is in place, where faculty guide UG students throughout their academic journey, helping them develop both professionally and personally. Interdepartmental symposia are organized to share recent academic advancements, exchange ideas, and promote faculty interaction.
Also, one among the many key features of the educational programs offered at SIMS & RC is the Interns EXIT EXAM using Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) for several years. The institute features a dedicated wing responsible for monitoring the academic progress of UG, PG, and super-specialty students, led by medical faculty committed to ensuring systematic and high-quality classes. The curriculum for all courses is meticulously planned and executed.
When students represent the institute at external events—such as academic conferences, workshops, sports, cultural fests, and other extracurricular and co-curricular activities—they receive guidance and oversight from faculty members, including those involved in relevant committees. Parents are kept informed about their children’s participation through no-objection letters, ensuring transparency regarding student representation at various forums.
Regular formative assessments are conducted for postgraduate students, and the fully functional cadaver lab offers excellent exposure and training opportunities for both students and staff. The institute collaborates with institutions like the University of Minnesota to provide global exposure to its General Surgery postgraduate students, with weekly online teaching programs conducted by faculty from the university.
Advancing Research Skills and Opportunities
SIMS & RC offers comprehensive research methodology training for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The institute encourages students and faculty to actively participate in securing grants from esteemed organizations such as Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Short Term Studentship (STS), and other funding bodies.
Additionally, the institute hosts Clintrac, a dedicated wing that conducts clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and Clinical Research Organizations. Faculty members serve as Principal Investigators, while postgraduate students participate as co-investigators in various studies.
A Hub of Community Outreach and Advanced Healthcare Services
With a mission to serve the needy and underprivileged sections of society, while also creating an optimal learning environment for students across UG, PG, and super speciality courses, SIMS & RC has made nearly all treatments and investigations free of cost.
Each month, the institute organizes around 25–30 medical camps throughout Karnataka, extending its healthcare services to the entire state. Patients identified through these camps are admitted to SIMS & RC and treated at no cost.
The hospital actively participates in various government schemes, including Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ARK), Yeshasvini, ESI, and Dr. YSR Arogyasri, offering free treatment for conditions such as congenital heart diseases. Blood donation drives and school health check-ups are also part of its community outreach efforts. Additionally, hair transplantation services are provided at affordable rates, and renal transplantation is available.
In the Days to Come
All in all, operating as a dedicated education hub, SIMS & RC looks forward to collaborating with international universities to facilitate student and faculty exchange programs. The institute also has plans to extend tele-consultation services in partnership with Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs).
Additionally, the institute aims to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare delivery and research outcomes. To benefit patients globally, it also intends to promote medical tourism as part of its strategic initiatives.
