IIT Madras, known for its work in engineering and technology, is now preparing to enter medical education. The institute plans to set up a school of medical sciences that could offer medical degrees, including MBBS, MD and PhD. Director Prof. V. Kamakoti said the move would expand the institute’s role beyond engineering and bring medicine and technology closer together.

In an exclusive interview with India Today at the IIT Madras campus, Prof. Kamakoti confirmed the plan. "IIT Madras will certainly launch a school of medical sciences," Professor Kamakoti said. "We want to give medical degrees, and I think that will be something which will make the institute much bigger." The proposed school would offer education across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. Students could pursue MBBS to become doctors, MD for specialisation and PhD for advanced research.

IIT Madras has already taken first steps into the medical field. In May 2023, the institute launched its Department of Medical Sciences and Technology. It was the first department of its kind in India. The department offers a four-year undergraduate programme that combines engineering, biology and medical technology. Its students learn to work on areas such as medical scanners, implants and healthcare software.

The existing programme, however, does not train students to become practising doctors. It focuses on medical technology and research. The department aims to produce medical technologists and physician-scientists who understand both medicine and technology. The proposed medical school would take this effort further by training doctors who can also work closely with engineers and researchers.

Prof. Kamakoti believes technology institutes need to play a larger role in healthcare. "Any technology institution must start a medical school," he said. "Otherwise, as a country, we cannot survive the medical market." His vision comes from the growing role of technology in modern healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic also showed the importance of medical technology and the risks linked to dependence on foreign equipment.

India continues to import a significant amount of high-end medical equipment. IIT Madras believes that developing such technology within the country requires stronger cooperation between doctors, engineers and researchers. A medical school on a technology-focused campus could help create an environment where these groups work together. The institute hopes this approach can support the development of medical devices and other technologies within India.

However, IIT Madras cannot start awarding medical degrees on its own. Medical education in India comes under the National Medical Commission, which regulates medical colleges and approves programmes such as MBBS and MD. The institute would need approval from the commission before starting these courses.

A teaching hospital would also be essential. Medical students need practical training in a functioning hospital where they can learn through direct patient care. IIT Madras would therefore have to develop the required medical infrastructure before it can begin offering an MBBS programme.

IIT Kharagpur offers an example of the path IIT Madras may need to follow. It developed its own hospital and received approval to start a postgraduate MD programme. Its plans for an undergraduate MBBS programme are still linked to the development of the required infrastructure. IIT Madras would similarly need to meet regulatory and infrastructure requirements before launching its medical degrees.

The institute already has several advantages that could support this plan. IIT Madras has a healthcare technology centre and a brain-mapping institute. Its Department of Medical Sciences and Technology also works with leading hospitals in Chennai. These existing collaborations have brought engineers and medical professionals together for research and technology development.

The proposed school would build on this foundation. IIT Madras now wants students to enter the medical field with a strong understanding of both healthcare and technology. If the plan receives the required approvals and infrastructure is developed, the institute could add medical education to its long-standing strength in engineering and research.

IIT Madras’ move marks a major expansion of its academic vision. From training engineers who build machines and technological systems, the institute now aims to train doctors who can work alongside them. The proposed MBBS, MD and PhD programmes could create a new link between medical practice, research and technology in India.