Considering the dearth of medical professionals in West Bengal with a doctor:population ratio of 1:2600, the government of West Bengal decided to start a new medical college of 100 MBBS student capacity, to cater specially to the population of rural Bengal. It was built in a strategic location of Malda District, which is the gateway to North Bengal; it could also cater to the adjacent districts.

After the inspection by MCI team in 2011, a letter of permission was received by the Authority of Malda Medical College & Hospital on 30 June 2011. Classes for the first year commenced on 1 August 2011.

West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Limited (wholly owned by the government of West Bengal) is the client of the project. The construction work was started in November 2010. At first the implementing agency was Punj Lloyd Limited. Mackintosh Burn Limited was then engaged by the government of West Bengal as Punj Lloyd Limited was not able to complete the work in time.