Pushpagiri Medical College

Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (PIMSRC) is a private medical college and super-specialty hospital in Tiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India, affiliated with the Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, and recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for offering MBBS, MD, MS, and super-specialty courses.^[1] Established in 2002 as one of the early private medical colleges in Kerala, it admits 100 students annually for its MBBS program (as of 2025) and operates a 763-bed hi-tech hospital providing comprehensive healthcare services across 58 specialized departments, including cardiology, neurology, and virology.^[1][2][3][4] The institution traces its origins to a modest eight-bed clinic established in 1959 to address rural maternity care needs in the region, later managed by the Pushpagiri Medical Society—a Catholic Church-affiliated organization established in 1992—which has evolved it into a multifaceted academic and research hub.^[1] Key milestones include the medical college in 2002, alongside expansions into pharmacy (2004), dental sciences (2006), allied health sciences (2008), a dedicated research centre (2010), and a virology facility (2011).^[1] Guided by its mission to "assure health for all with life in abundance through science & technology" and vision "We care, God cures," PIMSRC emphasizes quality education, cutting-edge research, and community healthcare, holding NABH accreditation for its hospital and contributing significantly to medical training and women's empowerment through nurse migration in Kerala.^[5][6]

History

Establishment

The origins of Pushpagiri Medical College trace back to the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church's commitment to healthcare in Kerala, with the hospital beginning as a modest eight-bed clinic in 1959 in Tiruvalla, focused on rural maternity care and women's health.^[7][8] Initiated by Zacharias Mar Athanasios, the clinic evolved over the decades into a training center for nurses and a broader medical facility, laying the groundwork for a teaching institution rooted in faith-based service.^[7] The site's historical significance stems from its former name, Cherupushpagiri, which served as the first official residence (Aramana) of Jacob Mar Theophilos, a key figure in the Syro-Malankara Church who collaborated with Geevarghese Mar Ivanios to establish Catholic Communion in Malankara.^[7] In 1992, the Pushpagiri Medical Society was formally registered (Reg. No. P. 73/92) as a charitable organization under the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, aimed at advancing healthcare initiatives and institutional expansion in the region.^[7][8] This society provided the organizational foundation for the college's development, building on the church's healing ministry to integrate medical education with community service. The Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (PIMSR) was officially established in 2002 as Kerala's first private self-financing medical college, marking a pivotal step in transforming the longstanding hospital into a comprehensive academic and research hub.^[7][8] Guided by the motto "We Care, God Cures," which embodies faith in divine providence alongside human effort, the institution's mission emphasizes assuring health for all through the integration of science, technology, and compassionate, faith-inspired service.^[7][8] Subsequent expansions built upon this foundation to enhance its capabilities.^[8]

Expansion and milestones

Following its establishment in 2002, Pushpagiri Medical College underwent significant expansions within the broader Pushpagiri Medical Society framework, integrating allied health institutions to bolster comprehensive healthcare education and services. The college of nursing was founded in the same year as the medical college, marking an early alignment with nursing training needs (building on nursing education initiated in 1964), while the college of pharmacy was established in 2004 to support pharmaceutical education and research integration. The College of Dental Sciences followed in 2006, and the College of Allied Health Sciences in 2008.^[7][9][8] Key infrastructural growth included the launch of the Pushpagiri Research Centre in 2010, enhancing scientific inquiry, followed by the introduction of postgraduate programs in MD, MS, M.Sc. Nursing, and M.Pharm in 2011, expanding academic offerings beyond undergraduate MBBS. Super-specialty advancements accelerated in 2013 with the establishment of the Department of Emergency Medicine and super-specialty postgraduate programs, alongside the opening of the Msgr. Alexander Payyampallil Super Speciality Block in 2014, which added specialized facilities for advanced care. The hospital's capacity evolved to support these developments, reaching a total of 763 beds as of 2025, including inpatient and specialized units, up from an initial smaller scale post-2002.^[7][2] Accreditations underscored institutional milestones, with the hospital achieving NABH accreditation (renewed in 2024), NABH Digital Health Accreditation in September 2024, and NABL accreditation for its laboratories, ensuring quality in testing and calibration. The research center has secured funding from bodies like ICMR, supporting projects in medical biotechnology and virology, as established with the Pushpagiri Centre for Virology in 2011. The institution maintains an annual MBBS intake of 100 seats since establishment, increased to 150 in 2019, reflecting demand and infrastructural readiness.^{[6][10][11][12]} During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital played a vital role in frontline response, contributing to regional case management through its expanded emergency and virology capabilities, though specific case volumes were integrated into broader Kerala health efforts. Further expansions included the Pushpagiri Inspire Pulmonary Centre in 2015 for respiratory care and the Pushpagiri Kidney Foundation in 2016, adding super-specialty units for nephrology and related services. These developments positioned the institution as a key healthcare hub in central Kerala by 2025.^[7][2]

Administration and affiliations

Governance

Pushpagiri Medical College is administered by the Pushpagiri Medical Society (PMS), a registered charitable society (Reg. No. P. 73/92) established in 1992 under the auspices of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Archdiocese of Thiruvalla, ensuring alignment with the church's mission of healthcare and education infused with Christian values.^[7] The society's governance integrates ecclesiastical oversight with professional medical administration to maintain ethical standards and operational integrity. The governing council, also known as the board of directors, comprises key church and medical leaders. The patron is H.G. Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of Thiruvalla, providing spiritual guidance.^[13] The president is Rev. Msgr. Fr. Issac Parappallil, Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tiruvalla; the vice president is Dr. Abraham Varghese, Medical Superintendent; and the secretary is Rev. Fr. Dr. Biju Varghese, Chief Executive Officer of the Pushpagiri Group of Institutions.^[14] Other members include Rev. Fr. Mathew Thundiyil (Hospital Administrator), Rev. Dr. Mathew Mazhavancheril (Director of PIMS & Research), and CA. Mr. Varghese Alexander (Chartered Accountant), representing medical, administrative, and financial expertise.^[14] The principal is Dr. Reena Thomas, a specialist in nephrology, while the dean is Dr. Vikram Gowda N. R., overseeing academic and clinical affairs.^[15][16] Decision-making on policy, ethics, and finances is handled through the governing council, with the Archbishop's office providing ultimate church oversight to integrate faith-based principles into operations. Annual audits are conducted by the chartered accountant member to ensure financial transparency and compliance.^[14] The council approves major initiatives, including resource allocation and strategic planning, while adhering to regulatory standards from bodies like the National Medical Commission. Key committees support specialized functions: the Medical College Council, chaired by the principal and including the CEO, focuses on curriculum development and academic policies; the Institutional Ethics Committee reviews research protocols to uphold bioethical standards; and welfare-oriented bodies, such as the Anti-Ragging Committee and Gender Harassment Committee, address student well-being and campus safety.^[17][18][19]

Academic affiliations and recognitions

Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre has been affiliated with the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), Thrissur, for all its undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs since the university's inception in 2010.^[20] The institution is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for 100 MBBS seats and various postgraduate specialties, including MD and MS programs in disciplines such as general medicine, surgery, and pediatrics, as of 2025.^[12] The affiliated Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital maintains NABH accreditation for quality standards in healthcare delivery.^[6] It also holds NABL accreditation for its laboratory services, ensuring adherence to international benchmarks for testing, calibration, and operational efficiency.^[6] As a member of the Christian Medical Association of India, the college aligns with national networks promoting ethical healthcare and professional development among Christian institutions.^[21] It was the first private medical college in Kerala to receive permission from the Medical Council of India (predecessor to the NMC) in 2002, marking a milestone in the state's private medical education landscape.^[2][22]

Academics

Undergraduate programs

The undergraduate program at Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre is the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), with an annual intake of 100 seats approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC).^[23] Admissions to the program are based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).^[2] The course duration is 4.5 years of academic training followed by a one-year compulsory rotating internship, aligning with NMC standards to develop competent medical professionals.^[24] The curriculum adheres to NMC guidelines, emphasizing integrated learning that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application across foundational disciplines.^[25] It is divided into three main phases: the pre-clinical phase, covering anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry in the first year; the para-clinical phase in the second year, focusing on pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, forensic medicine, and community medicine; and the clinical phase spanning the third and fourth years, which includes rotations in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and other specialties. Community medicine components feature mandatory postings and field visits to urban and rural health training centers, providing students with hands-on exposure to public health challenges in Kerala villages.^[26] Unique features of the program include dedicated bioethics training integrated into the curriculum through modules like Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM), which cover case studies on topics such as fiduciary duty and professional integrity.^[27] The institution, rooted in Christian values under the Pushpagiri Medical Society, incorporates ethical principles influenced by faith-based perspectives into medical education.^[28] Practical skills development is enhanced via simulation labs, where students participate in workshops using manikins and scenarios for procedures like basic life support and clinical simulations, as highlighted in events like Global Healthcare Simulation Week.^[29] The program is supported by over 250 experienced teaching staff across departments, ensuring a student-faculty ratio that facilitates personalized guidance and mentorship. This structure promotes a holistic approach, preparing graduates for clinical practice, research, and community service.

Postgraduate programs

Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre offers postgraduate medical programs in various specialties, including Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) degrees, each spanning three years of intensive training. These programs build upon the foundational MBBS degree and emphasize advanced clinical skills, research, and patient management in alignment with National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.^[30][31] As of 2025, the institution provides MD programs across 15 specialties with a total intake of 60 seats and MS programs in 5 specialties with 14 seats, resulting in 74 postgraduate seats annually. The MD specialties include Anaesthesiology (6 seats), General Medicine (6 seats), Microbiology (4 seats), Paediatrics (6 seats), Pathology (4 seats), Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy (4 seats), Pharmacology (2 seats), Anatomy (4 seats), Physiology (4 seats), Psychiatry (4 seats), Radio Diagnosis (4 seats), Community Medicine (4 seats), Biochemistry (4 seats), and Respiratory Medicine (2 seats). The MS specialties comprise Orthopaedics (4 seats), ENT (2 seats), General Surgery (4 seats), Ophthalmology (2 seats), and Obstetrics & Gynaecology (4 seats). While allied health diploma courses are available through affiliated programs, no specific postgraduate medical diploma courses in areas like Anesthesia or Ophthalmology are currently offered in the core medical curriculum.^{[30][32][25][33]} Training in these programs follows NMC postgraduate regulations, incorporating thesis-based research, structured clinical rotations, and hands-on experience in the affiliated 678-bed teaching hospital to develop expertise in diagnosis, treatment, and specialized care. Residents engage in multidisciplinary rotations across departments, focusing on high-volume patient interactions to build proficiency in their chosen specialty. The curriculum prioritizes evidence-based practice, ethical considerations, and continuous professional development through seminars, workshops, and skill lab sessions.^[31][25][30] Admissions to these postgraduate programs occur annually through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG), conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by centralized counseling managed by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations, Kerala. Eligible candidates must hold an MBBS degree with at least 50% aggregate marks from an NMC-recognized institution and have completed a one-year compulsory rotating internship by March 31 of the admission year. The process ensures merit-based selection, with seats allocated across government, management, and NRI quotas. The college allocates 50% seats under the state quota via CEE Kerala counseling, and the remainder (50%) under management and NRI quotas.^[30] Program outcomes demonstrate strong academic performance, with a 99% pass rate in the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) postgraduate examinations for recent batches, including distinctions and first-class results among graduates. Alumni contribute to clinical practice, academia, and healthcare leadership in India and internationally, supported by the institution's emphasis on research and professional networking.^{[34][25] [33]}

Super-specialty programs

The institution offers super-specialty programs including Doctorate of Medicine (DM) and Magister Chirurgiae (MCh) degrees, each lasting three years. These programs focus on advanced subspecialties and are recognized by the NMC. As of 2023 data (latest available), offerings include DM in Cardiology with 1 seat, and possibly others such as MCh in Neurosurgery. Admissions are through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Super Specialty (NEET-SS), followed by counseling via the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats and state processes where applicable. Training involves advanced research, specialized clinical rotations, and expertise development in the hospital's super-specialty departments.^[35]

Admissions process

Admissions to the undergraduate MBBS program at Pushpagiri Medical College are conducted exclusively based on scores from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG), administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) for the general category (40% for SC/ST/OBC categories), and be at least 17 years old. The college offers 100 MBBS seats, allocated as 50% under the state merit quota through centralized counseling by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala; 35% under management quota; and 15% under NRI quota, all filled via the Kerala state counseling process without a separate All India Quota for private institutions.^[36][37][38] The counseling process involves online registration on the CEE Kerala website, choice filling for colleges and quotas, multiple rounds of mock and real allotments, and final seat confirmation with document verification and medical fitness certification. For the state and management quotas, eligible candidates participate in the Centralized Allotment Process (CAP), prioritizing NEET-UG ranks alongside Kerala state reservation policies, which include 40% open merit, 10% EWS, 8% SC, 2% ST, and other community reservations. In 2024, the NEET-UG closing All India Rank (AIR) for the general category under the state quota was approximately 31,396 (score around 596), varying by round and category; management quota cutoffs are typically lower, around 35,901 AIR (score 589). Annual fees for the state quota stand at about ₹25,000, while management quota fees are around ₹8.16 lakh, with NRI at ₹21.65 lakh (2025 estimates); scholarships via the Kerala government's E-Grantz portal provide fee reimbursement for eligible SC/ST and merit-based students from economically weaker sections.^[39][40][41] For postgraduate programs, admissions to MD/MS courses are based on NEET-PG scores, while super-specialty DM/MCh seats require NEET-SS qualification. Candidates need an MBBS degree with at least 50% marks and a completed one-year compulsory rotating internship. The college allocates 50% seats under the state quota via CEE Kerala counseling, and the remainder under management and NRI quotas. The process mirrors the MBBS counseling, including registration, choice filling, multiple allotment rounds, document verification, and medical examination, with reservations following Kerala state norms. Fees for MD/MS vary by specialty, ranging from ₹11.23 lakh to ₹18.49 lakh annually for state quota seats (2025 figures).^[30]

Campus and infrastructure

Location and layout

Pushpagiri Medical College is situated in Thiruvalla, a town in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India, at approximately 9.38°N 76.58°E.^[42] The institution occupies a 170-acre campus in a semi-urban area, providing a blend of accessibility and tranquility conducive to medical education and healthcare services.^[43] The campus layout is organized into distinct zones, including academic blocks for teaching and learning, a dedicated hospital wing for clinical operations, residential hostels for students and staff, and expansive green spaces that enhance the environment.^[44] At its center stands the administrative building, which incorporates a 24-hour adoration chapel, underscoring the college's affiliation with the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and its heritage of faith-based service.^[44] Accessibility to the campus is supported by robust public bus connectivity along the Main Central Road in Thiruvalla, along with on-campus parking facilities for vehicles.^[45] The site is roughly 120 km from Cochin International Airport, facilitating travel for students and visitors via state highways.^[46] Eco-friendly initiatives include the installation of a 100 kW solar photovoltaic system in 2015, promoting sustainable energy use across the campus.^[47]

Academic and support facilities

The central library of Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, established in 2002, spans multiple floors and serves as a key resource for medical education, housing approximately 21,000 books along with 1,573 bound volumes, 450 theses, and 773 CD/DVDs. It subscribes to 51 international and 68 national journals, supplemented by digital access to 685 e-journals and 1,300 e-books through platforms like Clinical Key and DELNET, facilitating research in areas such as PubMed-indexed publications. The library includes reading rooms with a seating capacity for 400 students, reprographic services, and sections for current affairs and medical updates to support extended study sessions.^[48] The institution features over 20 specialized laboratories tailored to non-clinical and clinical departments, enabling hands-on training in foundational and applied medical sciences. The Department of Anatomy maintains a spacious dissection hall, a well-preserved cadaver laboratory with formalin-fixed specimens for anatomical study, and a museum displaying models and specimens to enhance understanding of human structure. In the Department of Biochemistry, advanced analyzers and diagnostic tools support practical sessions in clinical biochemistry and molecular diagnostics. Similarly, the Departments of Pathology and Microbiology are outfitted with modern equipment for histopathology, bacteriology, virology, and parasitology training, including vast collections of specimens and automated diagnostic systems.^{[49][50][51][52]} A dedicated simulation center, integrated into the curriculum since the early 2010s, provides procedural training using high-fidelity mannequins and virtual reality setups to simulate clinical scenarios, improving student competency in skills like resuscitation and surgical techniques without patient risk. Complementing these are support facilities such as a centrally air-conditioned auditorium equipped with advanced audio-visual and LCD projection systems for lectures, conferences, and academic events. The IT center offers campus-wide Wi-Fi connectivity and computer labs to support digital learning and research activities. Additionally, the sports complex includes a gymnasium and outdoor fields for cricket and football, promoting physical well-being among students. In 2020, the college introduced an e-learning portal to enable hybrid classes, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing access to online lectures, virtual simulations, and recorded sessions.^{[29][53][54][55]}

Residential accommodations

Pushpagiri Medical College provides separate residential accommodations for male and female students, ensuring gender-segregated facilities within the campus premises. The boys' hostels consist of two buildings accommodating approximately 346 students, while the girls' hostels feature three buildings housing around 368 students, offering a total capacity exceeding 700 for undergraduate and postgraduate residents combined.^[16] Rooms are typically shared by 2 to 4 students, with options for single occupancy available at additional cost, and include basic furnishings along with attached bathrooms in most cases, though ground-floor rooms may vary.^[56] Amenities in the hostels emphasize student welfare and convenience, including on-site mess facilities providing nutritious meals with a mix of local Kerala cuisine and continental options, such as biriyani and fried rice, prepared under hygienic conditions. Additional features encompass recreation rooms equipped with televisions, indoor games, and common areas for study and relaxation; laundry services; and round-the-clock security with routine checks to maintain safety. The hostels operate under the supervision of dedicated wardens, including reverend fathers for boys and sisters for girls, reflecting the institution's affiliation with the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and its emphasis on disciplined conduct.^[56][57][58] Residence in the hostels is generally mandatory for outstation students to foster a supportive learning environment, with strict policies including curfews (typically until 6 PM), prohibitions on ragging, and adherence to institutional rules that may result in suspension or expulsion for violations. Annual hostel fees range from approximately ₹75,000 to ₹80,000, excluding separate mess charges, which are paid additionally to cover boarding costs. These arrangements integrate seamlessly with the college's 170-acre campus layout, promoting easy access to academic areas while prioritizing personal security and community living standards.^[56][30][59]

Affiliated hospital

Overview and capacity

The Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital is a tertiary care teaching hospital affiliated with Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, functioning as the primary site for clinical training of medical students since the college's establishment in 2002.^[1] Originally founded in 1959 as a small clinic, it has expanded into a full-fledged multispecialty facility recognized by the National Medical Commission (formerly Medical Council of India) for postgraduate and undergraduate medical education.^[7] All hands-on clinical rotations, simulations, and patient interactions for the college's programs occur within this integrated hospital environment, ensuring seamless academic and healthcare delivery. The hospital holds NABH accreditation.^[6][2] As of 2025, the hospital operates with a capacity of 763 beds, supporting comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services across various specialties.^[2] It manages an annual footfall of approximately 365,000 outpatients (based on nearly 1,000 daily) and an average daily inpatient occupancy of 800, reflecting its role as a key healthcare provider in central Kerala and surrounding regions.^[2] The facility includes a 24/7 emergency department equipped for trauma and critical cases, along with dedicated intensive care units (ICUs) and coronary care units (CCUs) to handle acute conditions.^[60] The hospital employs over 600 doctors and a substantial nursing staff to support its operations, with outpatient department (OPD) services typically available from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays.^[61]

Departments and specialties

The Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital operates over 50 specialized clinical departments, encompassing a wide range of core medical and surgical services to support comprehensive patient care.^[28] These include General Medicine, which provides outpatient, inpatient, and emergency services for a variety of internal conditions such as infectious diseases, diabetes, and hypertension; General Surgery, focusing on procedures for gastrointestinal, endocrine, and trauma-related issues; Pediatrics, dedicated to child health with specialized care for neonatal and adolescent conditions; Obstetrics and Gynecology, offering maternity services, gynecological surgeries, and reproductive health management; and Orthopedics, handling musculoskeletal disorders, joint replacements, and trauma care.^[62][63] In addition to core departments, the hospital features advanced super-specialty units for complex conditions. The Cardiology department includes a catheterization laboratory for diagnostic and interventional procedures like angiography and stenting. Neurology maintains a dedicated stroke unit for acute management of cerebrovascular events, while Oncology provides integrated services with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions through Medical, Surgical, and Radiation Oncology divisions. Nephrology operates a dialysis unit supporting hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for patients with renal failure.^[64][63] Diagnostic services are bolstered by the Radiodiagnosis department, which utilizes advanced imaging modalities including MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and X-rays to aid in precise diagnosis across clinical areas. The Pathology department conducts histopathological examinations, biochemical tests, and microbiological analyses to support diagnostic accuracy in surgical and medical cases.^[65][66] Unique offerings include a Pain and Palliative Care unit, inspired by the hospital's Christian mission ethos, which focuses on symptom relief and holistic support for patients with life-limiting illnesses. The hospital also provides telemedicine and e-consultation services to extend outreach, particularly benefiting rural and underserved populations in Kerala.^[64][7][67]

Research and outreach

Research initiatives

Pushpagiri Research Center, established in 2010 as the central research facility for the college, operates as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, with approvals for projects from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The center receives funding from national and international agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), ICMR, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.^[11][68] Research efforts emphasize infectious and tropical diseases, such as serotype analysis of circulating dengue viruses in Kerala; oncology, through dedicated cancer research projects like CANCARE; and public health, including studies on COVID-19 antibody-based mass surveillance and vaccine efficacy from 2021 to 2023. These initiatives leverage the affiliated hospital's infrastructure for clinical trials, enabling translational research from bench to bedside.^[69][70][71] The center maintains specialized facilities, including a molecular biology laboratory equipped for techniques like PCR and gene sequencing, and a Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA)-approved animal house for preclinical studies. Faculty and researchers contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals, with around 23 listed for 2024.^[72][73] Postgraduate programs integrate mandatory research components, requiring students to complete theses under faculty guidance as part of degree fulfillment, often supported by the center's dissertation projects and summer training for final-semester candidates. Since 2013, the center has hosted an annual research conference, Bioradiance, drawing around 200 participants for presentations on biochemistry, therapeutics, and biomedical innovations, including the 13th edition in 2025.^{[74][75][76][77]}

Community service programs

Pushpagiri Medical College, through its Department of Community Medicine, actively engages in outreach activities by collaborating with government health services, schools, and non-governmental organizations to organize health camps, awareness drives, and immunization programs aimed at rural and underserved populations.^[26] These initiatives emphasize preventive healthcare, with a focus on conducting free medical camps in areas like Pathanamthitta district, where the institution is located, to provide screenings and basic treatments to local communities. For instance, the affiliated Pushpagiri College of Nursing organizes annual free mega medical camps, such as the 2024 event.^[78] The college's church-affiliated programs, rooted in its origins as a Syro-Malabar Catholic institution founded in 1959, extend to mobile-style outreach for tribal communities, including healthcare activities in remote areas like Gavi and Moozhiyar since at least 2023, in partnership with local primary health centers.^[1][79] These efforts have included medical camps providing consultations and medications to tribal residents, with one 2023 camp coordinated by the nursing college serving the community at Seethathode PHC.^[80] Additionally, during the 2018 Kerala floods, the institution's NSS volunteers contributed to disaster relief by collecting funds for the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund and supporting flood restoration activities in affected areas.^[81] Educational outreach forms a core component, with awareness sessions conducted in schools on topics such as menstrual hygiene and general child health, as seen in the 2022 NSS program at a local school that educated students on menstruation management.^[82] Similar initiatives, like the January 2023 school health program at CMS School by the child health and mental health nursing departments, promote hygiene practices and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention among youth.^[83] The college also supports underprivileged students through scholarships granted by its alumni association for eligible nursing candidates, alongside broader charity schemes offering affordable care to economically weaker sections.^[84][85] In terms of partnerships, the institution participates in national health campaigns aligned with World Health Organization goals, notably through active involvement in pulse polio immunization drives, such as the January 2021 and March 2024 programs where nursing students administered vaccines to children under five at the college hospital's immunization OPD.^[86][87] Annual blood donation drives further bolster community health, with events like the June 2024 World Blood Donor Day campaign at the Pushpagiri Blood Bank, organized in collaboration with the community health nursing department, encouraging voluntary donations from staff and students.^[88] These drives, including a 2023 camp at St. Thomas Marthoma Church that collected units from participants, underscore the college's commitment to sustaining blood supplies for regional needs.^[89]