MGM Medical College Indore proposes converting KEM School into Museum
Indore: In an effort to preserve its legacy, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College has proposed converting the historic King Edward Medical (KEM) School building into a museum. This initiative aims to offer both students and doctors a deeper understanding of the institution's rich history and its contributions to medical education.
The proposal valued at Rs 3.21 crore has already been submitted to the government and is set to be reviewed in the college’s executive committee meetings.
KEM Hospital, founded in 1848, holds significant historical importance in Indore. The building, designed in the French Gothic style, is affectionately referred to as 'Hogwarts' by the city's youth. In contrast, MGM Medical College was established nearly a century later, in 1953, continuing the region’s medical education and healthcare legacy.
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In 2023, a plan to convert the building into a library and café specifically for medical students was floated. However, the proposal was unable to move forward due to bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of funding. Additionally, the tourism department had also considered transforming the site into a heritage destination, but those plans were similarly put on hold.
The college authorities explained that the decision to transform the building into a museum was made to address concerns regarding the building's deteriorating condition and to curb the gatherings of youth and issues such as alcoholism, which a lack of security has exacerbated. This initiative comes after repeated requests from the doctors' association for the renovation of the building, which has led to protests and agitations over the years.
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As per the recent media report by MSN, Dr VP Pandey, Dean-in-charge of MGM Medical College, explained, "A proposal of Rs 3.21 crore has been sent to the government. This will be discussed in the upcoming EC meetings. Securing the right status for the KEM School building is our priority."
