In 1980, the Vokkaligara Sangha established what is now the Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Bengaluru, India. It has been affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and has attested to the standards of the Medical Council of India.

History and Establishment

The then Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri R. Gundu Rao laid the foundation stone for KIMS on November 30, 1980. This marked a breakthrough in nurturing the medical education in Bengaluru as the institution commenced its first classes on March 16, 1981. KIMS Day is henceforth celebrated annually on March 16.

Campus andre Facilities

KIMS functions under two main campuses in the city of Bengaluru –

Banashankari Campus. Houses the Pre-clinical and Para-clinical departments.

KR Road Campus. Dominates the Clinical Departments and the supporting KIMS Hospital which is located 4 km from Banashankari campus.

Academic Programs

KIMS admits undergraduate as well graduate students for various medical sciences’ (MBBS) and (MD/MS) courses respectively. The MBBS course comprises four and a half years of academic work followed by one year of internship which is compulsory. The extra aspects of the curricular include a foundation course that seeks to facilitate one’s ability to progress from high school to a medical school, early vocational exposure, and elective placements for hands-on learning.

Clinical Training

Clinical training is completed by the students at the following hospitals:

Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital & Research Centre

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences

SDS Tuberculosis Sanatorium

Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology

Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and Hospital

Central Leprosarium

Government Epidemic Diseases Hospital

Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology

Global Recognition and Programs

Several international organizations have recognized the KIMS which include General Medical Council of UK, World Health Organization, The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists London. It offers international elective programs so that students actively participate in the Internal and Community Medicine Departments.

Objectives and Values

The institution aims to:

Prepare medical students to manage health coordinate health care for individuals and communities.

Enhance personal integrity, responsibility and concern for person.

Prepare graduates to be members of the health care team, and attend to health needs arising from disasters.

Teach to constructively communicate factors affecting health and enhance a humanitarian approach to professional roles.

Encourage self-directed education and research in different fields of medicine.‘