The Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I-NK) recently celebrated its 17th foundation day, marking nearly two decades of transformative service in the field of neurology and neurosurgery.

The event was graced by Dr. Robin Sengupta, Prof. Dr. Mukul Bhattacharya, Vice-Chancellor of West Bengal University of health Sciences, Prof. IndrajitSaha, Director of Medical Education, Govt of West Bengal, Mr. Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Hon’ble Consl General of Japan, Aysha Akhter, Counsellor (Political), and Head of Chancery, Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, Rev Swami Ekachitwananda, Principal, Ramkrishna Mission Residential College, Narendrapur, and others.

Established as a joint venture between the Neurosciences Foundation Bengal, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and the Dept of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, I-NK has grown from a visionary concept into a cornerstone of specialized healthcare in the region.

The institute was born from the determination of non-resident Bengali neurosurgeons who sought to curb the exodus of patients traveling outside the state for advanced care. Built on a non-profit, affordable model, I-NK distinguishes itself through a unique operational pillar: its 70 consultants are strictly full-time, maintaining no private practice. This ensures that expert neurosurgeons, anesthetists, and intensivists are physically present 24/7 to manage emergencies—a feature that has earned the trust of patients across Bengal and the Northeast.

Currently operating with 210 beds and 350 dedicated nurses, the institute is in a phase of rapid physical and academic expansion. Recent acquisitions include:

 *A dedicated Clinical facility at 6B, AJC Bose Road.

 *Research and Diagnostic centers at 10 West Range.

 *A 4-storey building in Salt Lake donated for physiotherapy and occupational therapy education.

I-NK’s reputation for original research has garnered global attention, fostering collaborations with prestigious institutions like Oxford University, the University of Newcastle, and Calcutta University.

While celebrating past achievements, the institute is looking toward a monumental future. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently laid the foundation stone for Snayu Tirtha in Rajarhat. This ambitious expansion includes an 800-bed hospital and a medical college with an intake of 150 students, a project championed by the 90-year-old Dr. Robin Sengupta, OBE.

In a significant leap for regional medicine, I-NK announced the acquisition of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery—a first for Eastern India. This non-invasive technology allows for the precise treatment of complex brain conditions with minimal hospital stays and faster recovery times. By blending cutting-edge technology with its founding mission of empathy and affordability, I-NK continues to ensure that world-class neurosurgical care is accessible to all.

Priyanka Dutta