Institute of neurosciences Kolkata (I-NK) celebrates its 16th foundation day on 15th April 2024. I-NK is a not-for-profit single specialty neurosciences hospital. It is a joint project of Neurosciences Foundation Bengal (society), Kolkata Municipal Corporation, & dept. of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal. It originated when a group of non-resident Bengali neurosurgeons living in the west saw the exodus of patients from Bengal to the advanced neurosciences centers in the other parts of the country, due to lack of infrastructure in the 80’s. They decided to raise fund from all over the world to establish an institute in Kolkata with the idea that the institute would be non-profit, affordable, and providing highest form of skill. In addition, all the consultants will have to be full time without any private practice. They have to practice ethically and empathy for patients and relatives. A consultant neurosurgeon, an anesthetist, and Intensivist always stay in the hospital particularly in the night, to treat emergency immediately. This status has attracted the public not only in Bengal but in whole of the northeast. This is a unique feature in the city Today we have 210 beds, 70 non-practicing consultants, and 350 nurses.
With the increasing demand I-NK has acquired a few new buildings; one for Clinics at 6B, AJC Bose Road, another for Research and Diagnostic at 10 West Range, and an upcoming building in the existing space. We have also been donated a 4-storey building in Salt Lake for the college of Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy approved by the WBUHS.
Despite the fact that our fees from the patients for services is lowest amongst the corporate hospitals in the city, starting a bed charge in an air-conditioned room from Rs. 800 a day, we could carry out the developments and acquire our highly advanced life saving equipments from donations from our well wishers. Our partners, KMC & Govt. of West Bengal are also helping us where they can.
Today, I-NK is a brand name in whole of Bengal and the northeast. Even the advanced neurosciences centers in India refer patients back to Kolkata. Furthermore, due to our original research work, university of Calcutta, Vivekananda University in Belur Math, University of Newcastle, and Oxford University are collaborating with I-NK. On the occasion of the foundation day, there will be an Update on Neurosurgery with participation of National and International Stalwarts in Neurosurgery, particularly Japan.
The Foundation Day celebration at 5.00 pm on the 15th is graced by Sri Narayan Swarup Nigam, IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept. of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal. Sri Debasis Das, Registrar, Calcutta University, Her Excellency Kathy Giles Diaz, US Consul General in Kolkata, Swami Shastragyanananda Maharaj, Secretary of Narendrapur Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, and some other dignitaries.
Despite the fact that the Institute has satisfied the donors & well wishers, its destination has yet not been achieved. But I-NK is on the march for its Dreamland. Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has laid the Foundation Stone on 12th February of a campus near Rajarhat, named as Snayu Tirtha, for 800 bed hospital and a medical college for 150 student entry.
The hospital will accept all Swayastha Sathi patients. In the second phase the final destination of the University of Neurosciences will be established. Which will be recognized by recognised by universities all over the world. Even at the age of 88, Dr. Robin Sengupta, OBE is working hard for it.
