Overview
Our Story
Redefining Healthcare, Empowering Futures
The legacy of the Shillong Medical College is deeply rooted in the historic Pasteur Institute, Shillong. Established in 1917, it was the first institution of its kind in Northeast India dedicated to vaccine production, diagnostics, and medical research. Over the decades, it became a lifeline for healthcare in the region and is now transforming into a modern medical college while retaining its historic significance.
1906–1917
Origins and Foundation
The idea arose in 1906 at a meeting of the Assam Branch of the Indian Tea Association, which proposed a regional centre for anti-rabic treatment. A committee in 1909 pushed plans forward; by 1912 Shillong was chosen as the site, and the Eastern Bengal & Assam King Edward VII Memorial Fund committed financing. Construction began in 1915, and the Institute treated its first patient on 16 January 1917. Its campus—on pine-covered “Pasteur Hills”—was shaped with guidance from Col. Sir David Semple and Sir Pardey Lukis.
1917–1945
Early Governance & Leadership
Erected by public subscription, the Institute was originally named the King Edward VII Memorial Pasteur Institute. The first Director, Col. R. (Ralph) Knowles, was appointed in 1917. For decades, the Assam Medical Research Society oversaw its work until its dissolution in August 1945.
1917–2005
Vaccines, Diagnostics & Training
Built on the “Pasteurian” model, Shillong produced Neural Anti-Rabies Vaccine (1917–2005) and Cholera, Typhoid & Paratyphoid vaccines (1922–1996). It supplied Assam, the other Northeast states, West Bengal, Bhutan, and major organisations like Railways, tea estates, oil companies, and the military. Alongside vaccines, it long served as a diagnostic lab, a training centre for technicians, and later a hub for blood banking and HIV/AIDS screening. Today, the Regional Blood Bank and technician training remain core functions.
1945–1972
Institutional Transition
After 1945, governance passed to the Government of Assam, and after state reorganisation in 1972, to the Government of Meghalaya.
Today
Transition to Shillong Medical College
The Pasteur Institute campus is being transformed into the Academic Block of the Shillong Medical College, ensuring its legacy as a hub of healthcare, education, and research continues into the 21st century.
Our Mission
To provide high-quality medical education and training while fostering research and innovation, building on the historic legacy of the Pasteur Institute, and preparing competent, compassionate healthcare professionals for the region and beyond.
Our Vision
To establish Shillong Medical College as a center of excellence in medical education, research, and patient care, promoting healthcare self-reliance in Northeast India and serving as a modern hub for academic and clinical advancement.
Transforming Healthcare and Medical Education in Meghalaya
The Government of Meghalaya, Health & Family Welfare Department, has established the Shillong Medical College (SMC) with the objective of strengthening medical education and enhancing healthcare services within the State. The project is prioritized as a brownfield initiative, with the following key developments:
Expanding Academic Facilities
The Pasteur Institute is being transformed into a modern Academic Block. It will house classrooms, a library, laboratories, an administrative section, museums, and other essential facilities. All developments are being carried out in compliance with National Medical Commission (NMC) norms.
Teaching Hospitals
Shillong Civil Hospital and Ganesh Das Government MCH Hospital have been designated as Teaching Hospitals for an annual MBBS intake of 50 students. While NMC norms require 220 teaching beds, Shillong Civil Hospital already operates 450 beds, and Ganesh Das Government MCH Hospital operates 400, together far exceeding the requirement.
Future Development Plans
Preparatory work has begun for the greenfield expansion of the Proposed Medical College project. This next phase envisions adding 50 MBBS seats and 50 Postgraduate seats within the same campus. The expansion will be operationalized in the near future, subject to regulatory approvals and adherence to NMC norms.
Development as a Medical Hub
With the establishment of the Shillong Medical College, Meghalaya has taken a giant leap toward self-reliance in healthcare and education. The college aims to provide quality medical education while meeting the growing healthcare needs of the region.
Affiliation with North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) ensures academic excellence and recognition, positioning Shillong as a hub for medical research and training in the region.
Statistics of Northeast India
Key highlights showcasing the population and healthcare infrastructure of Northeast India.
Million
Population of Northeast India.
Medical Colleges
Across Northeast.
Beds
In Medical Colleges.