History
Founded in 1994, the Sangamner Medical Foundation & Research Institute (SMFRI) was established by Dr. Ashok Vamanrao Ithape, a respected cardiologist with a vision to transform healthcare and medical education in rural Maharashtra.
At the time, Sangamner lacked access to quality medical infrastructure and advanced educational institutions. Driven by the belief that education and healthcare are pillars of a strong society, Dr. Ithape initiated this foundation with the goal of making affordable, accessible, and high-quality medical services a reality for the region.
30 YEARS OF LEGACY
1995–2006
|1995 – Planning and Vision Building
Dr. Ithape, along with like-minded professionals, began planning for a multi-disciplinary institute combining education, healthcare, and research. The groundwork for establishing the first college was laid.
|1997 – Homoeopathic College Launched
The Vamanrao Ithape Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital was inaugurated, offering BHMS degree programs. It began serving both as an educational center and a healthcare provider.
|2000 – Campus Expansion Begins
SMFRI acquired additional land to build a full-fledged education and healthcare campus. Infrastructure projects including lecture halls, labs, and hospital expansion were launched.
|2004 – Polytechnic College Established
To address growing demand for technical education, the Vamanrao Ithape Polytechnic College was launched, offering diploma programs in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
|2006 – Pharmacy Education Introduced
Dr. Ithape Institute of Pharmacy was started to produce skilled professionals in pharmaceutical sciences. It included modern laboratories, research facilities, and qualified faculty.
2009–2017
|2009 – Nursing College Established
Recognizing the need for nursing professionals in rural healthcare, the Vamanrao Ithape Nursing College was founded. The college offered General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM), ANM, and B.Sc. Nursing programs.
|2011 – Advanced Labs and Hospital Upgrade
Major investments were made in research laboratories and diagnostic facilities. The hospital began offering specialty services and student clinical training programs expanded significantly.
|2012 – Industrial Training Institute (I.T.I.)
SMFRI introduced vocational courses through the Vamanrao Ithape Private I.T.I., focusing on trades like electrician, fitter, and computer operation to equip youth with job-ready skills.
|2015 – Digitalization & E-learning
All institutions under SMFRI adopted digital classrooms, biometric attendance, and online learning platforms. This allowed remote access to lectures and materials, especially during exam seasons.
|2017 – CSR & Community Outreach Growth
The foundation partnered with corporate sponsors and NGOs to launch health camps, rural screenings, and school health programs under its growing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
2019–2024
|2019 – Skill Development & Placement Cell
A formal placement and career guidance cell was launched. Workshops with industry professionals, resume building, and campus interviews were organized to enhance employability.
|2020 – COVID-19 Response
During the pandemic, SMFRI played a critical role in local COVID care by converting facilities into quarantine centers, offering free teleconsultations, and distributing medicine kits in rural areas.
|2022 – NAAC & Accreditation Milestones
Institutions under SMFRI began undergoing NAAC and PCI inspections for quality assurance. The colleges earned high evaluations for infrastructure, faculty, and curriculum planning.
|2023 – Research and Innovation Hub
A new interdisciplinary research center was inaugurated for collaborative work in pharmacology, public health, and clinical homeopathy. Students were encouraged to publish and participate in seminars.
|2024 – 30 Years of Legacy
SMFRI celebrated its 30th year of excellence with alumni meets, social initiatives, and the announcement of plans to launch an Ayurvedic medical college and a digital healthcare startup incubator.