Dow Medical College is situated in Karachi, the most heavily populated city in the country but was first established in Hyderabad, Pakistan as a small college. TheIndian Medical Council introduced a uniform standard of medical education before independence and either abolished or raised many medical schools to a university level. Through the untiring efforts of Dr. Holmisted, the Medical School at Hyderabad was granted a status of a Degree College in 1941 by the government of Sind. In the same year the government of Sind appointed a committee to implement this decision and to explore the feasibility of moving this medical school from Hyderabad to Karachi. 

The Committee in 1943 worked on plans for Dow Medical College and consisted of, Dr. Hermends R. Wadhwani, the then Minister of Public Health; Col. J. E. Gray, the then Inspector General of civil hospitals; and Mr. Abhichand, the then Executive Engineer, and Major (Later Lt. Col.) Aziz K. M. Khan continued this project during the absence of Col. Gray. Governor Maudie of Sind in Hyderabad inaugurated the college in 1945. Amongst the first group of forty-five admitted students was a Muslim girl named Ms. Fahmida Shaikh. 

History of Dow Medical College (DMC)

Foundation and Early Years (1945-1947)

Dow Medical College (DMC) was established on December 10, 1945, in Karachi, British India. It was named after Sir Hugh Dow, the Governor of Sindh at the time, who played a key role in advancing medical education in the region.

The college was founded to meet the increasing demand for medical professionals in Sindh and Balochistan. Initially, it was affiliated with the University of Sindh, and its first classes were conducted in the Sindh Medical School building near Civil Hospital Karachi.

Post-Partition Growth (1947-1970s)

With the independence of Pakistan in 1947, Karachi became the nation’s capital, and DMC emerged as one of the country’s premier medical institutions. It later became affiliated with the University of Karachi.

The first principal of DMC, Dr. H. S. Stephenson, played a pivotal role in establishing the college’s curriculum and academic structure.

Key Developments in the 1950s-1960s:
  • Expansion of academic departments
  • Increase in student intake
  • Enhancement of research and clinical training
  • Civil Hospital Karachi became the primary teaching hospital, offering hands-on training to students
Expansion and Development (1970s-1990s)

By the 1970s, DMC was recognized as a leading institution for medical education in Pakistan. It introduced several new departments and strengthened its postgraduate training programs.

Notable Advancements:

✔ Establishment of modern laboratories and research facilities
✔ Introduction of specialized medical disciplines
✔ Greater emphasis on medical research and innovation

Transition to Dow University of Health Sciences (2003)

In 2003, the Government of Sindh upgraded Dow Medical College into the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). This transition transformed DMC from a standalone medical college into a comprehensive university, allowing for:

  • Expansion of new medical programs
  • Establishment of Dow International Medical College (DIMC)
  • Development of Ojha Campus, featuring modern healthcare and research facilities

Legacy and Impact

Dow Medical College has produced thousands of renowned doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals who have made significant contributions both in Pakistan and internationally. Many of its alumni hold key positions in prestigious institutions worldwide.

Today, while DMC remains a vital part of DUHS, it continues its legacy as one of Pakistan’s oldest and most respected medical colleges.

mission & vision

Know more about

Our mission & vision

  • Professional & Social Networking
  • Strengthen Links with DUHS
  • Cooperation and Collaboration with Other Pakistani Alumni in the U.K. & Dow Alumni Globally
  • Education & Development
  • Career Guidance & Mentorship for IMGs and Dowites Arriving in the U.K.
  • Charity Donations for Humanitarian Causes (Especially for Dow and Civil Hospital Karachi)
  • *Financial Aid (Qarz-e-Hasna) for New Dowites in the U.K.