 Meenakshi Ammal College gets 'A' Grade
The Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital at Maduravoyal, in Chennai, had recently sought an assessment by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) which is an autonomous institution of the University Grants Commission, for assessment and accreditation of this institution.
A peer team of NAAC inspected the institution from September 13-15. Following this inspection, the peer committee has submitted its report and the executive committee of NAAC which has accredited the institution with 'A' Grade (85-90 per cent).
Dr N Ambalavanan, vice-principal, says that this accreditation has proved the high standards of this institution and the excellent grade given by NAAC "makes us the premier dental institution of the country in imparting dental education and treatment".
The Meenakshi Ammal Dental College & Hospital was founded by A N Radhakrishnan, a philanthropist, in 1990-91 and is a constituent of the Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER) Deemed University with Dr E Munirathnam Naidu as its Vice-Chancellor.
This college is permitted by the Government of Tamil Nadu and recognised by the Dental Council of India, New Delhi, and was earlier affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. The college is functioning with Dr P Jayakumar as principal, Dr C M Nandagopal as director and Dr N Ambalavanan as vice-principal, at Alapakkam Main Road, Maduravoyal, Chennai 600 095, with an annual intake of 100 under-graduate students and 33 postgraduate students. Besides under-graduate courses leading to a BOS degree, the college offers a postgraduate course leading to MDS degree in seven specialities and also offers dental mechanic and dental hygienist certificate courses.
The institution has its own 150-bed multi-specialty hospital adjacent to the college premises with four major operation theatres and other sophisticated equipment to treat any emergencies round the clock.
The asset of this institution is the teaching faculty and excellent teaching methodology with good student support. Their contribution has made this institution achieve more than 90 per cent pass percentage every year, said the vice-principal.
Most of the treatment offered in the dental hospital, which functions from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., are free for the general public.
The college has adopted several nearby villages and schools and has extended all medical and dental treatment free of cost. By conducting several camps, the institution has offered complete dentures and performed many major surgeries free of cost to the general public. This facility is not only extended to Tamil Nadu but also to the neighbouring states. Besides, the institution has bagged several prizes at the state and national level in scientific sessions, cultural activities and sports.
The institution was granted Deemed University status on March 31, 2004, by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi.
"In order to assess ourselves among other institutions, the college invited the NAAC for assessment and accreditation of this institution. The accreditation has proved the high standards of this institution," said the vice-principal.
R Rangaraj
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