vertical pattern

Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

KMC , Manipal
Health Sciences

Established in 1967 to train MBBS students in the legal aspects of medical practice, the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology has grown into the nodal reference centre for the Karnataka State Police. Authorised to conduct medicolegal autopsies since 1991, it has rendered valued medicolegal services to the state ever since. With postgraduate studies running since 1987, training 53 MD graduates to date, the department combines round-the-clock medicolegal service with innovative teaching, well-equipped labs, and one of the finest forensic museums in the country.

Highlights

  • Nodal reference centre for the Karnataka State Police, conducting medicolegal autopsies since 1991 and appreciated repeatedly by the police department
  • Five medicolegal experts, including the HOD, all engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate training alongside their medicolegal responsibilities.
  • A one-of-its-kind Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit offering medicolegal services at the casualty, handling the formalities associated with emergency medicine.
  • A modern, separate mortuary block equipped to undertake three autopsies at a time, including an open mortuary for decomposed bodies and cold chamber facilities for up to 15 bodies.
  • 24×7 medicolegal autopsy and embalming services, with faculty and staff handling an average of 350 autopsies annually.
  • A broad range of medicolegal services, including expert opinions on skeletal remains, weapons, and sexual offences, along with age and wound certificates.
  • Diverse academic training across MD Forensic Medicine, MSc Forensic Science (10 students per year), and PhD scholars in forensic subjects.
  • Innovative learning through self-learning modules, integrated teaching, and interactive sessions, supported by a research lab and one of the best forensic museums in the country.
  • A vibrant academic culture hosting CMEs, workshops, and national and international conferences, along with the annual All India Quiz and Justitia League programmes for undergraduates.