Christian Medical College

In 1900, the Christian Medical College was started by Ida S. Scudder, an American missionary, as a one-bed clinic to serve women. In 1902, she built the 40-bed Mary Taber Schell Memorial Hospital for women and children, named after the donor’s wife. The site is now CMC Schell Campus, which houses the Eye Hospital and Low Cost Effective Care Unit (LCECU). The main hospital moved to the present location in the Thottapalayam area of Vellore in 1924 and treatment was extended to men as well. At present CMC has 2300 beds on four sites, with all specialities. Patients from all over India and the world come for treatment. The Christian Medical College Association is a non government, private, inter-denominational Christian organisation. The object of the Association is the establishment, maintenance and development of a Christian Medical College in India where women and men shall receive an education of the highest grade in the art and science of Medicine and Nursing or in one of the Allied Health professions, to equip them in the spirit of Christ, for service in the relief of suffering and the promotion of health. The CMC community today is made up of an interesting and diverse group of people,- students and faculty come from all over India. Visitors come from Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Kenya, the Middle East, New Zealand, USA and many other countries. The interchange between varied people and cultures provides a rewarding and stimulating experience.