Tuesday, Jul 09, 2024 09:00 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Jul 09, 2024 03:31 [IST]
GANGTOK,: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given approval to 113 new medical colleges including 50 government colleges across India to offer MBBS courses from the academic year 2024-25.
Sikkim too features in the list, as shared by the State BJP on Monday, but State Health minister GT Dhungel swiftly dismissed this claim as “absurd”.
According to national reports, the NMC while approving the new institutions has also revised some rules for the establishment of medical colleges. Now, medical colleges can be started with only 50 seats if they have a functional hospital and faculties in all the clinical departments. Hospitals should have a minimum capacity of 200 beds and 20 ICU beds.
Currently, there are 706 medical colleges in India. With the approval of new medical colleges, the number has reached 819, the reports state.
Earlier today, the State BJP shared the list of new approved medical colleges including the Sikkim government medical college as notified by the NMC on July 6 based on the decisions made by Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) to the applications made for the new medical college.
In his media statement, State BJP president DR Thapa extended his heartfelt gratitude to Union Health minister JP Nadda for the allocation of a new medical college to Sikkim. This long-awaited decision fulfils a significant demand that has been diligently pursued by BJP Sikkim with the Central leadership for an extended period, he said.
“The allotment of the medical college was prominently featured in BJP Sikkim's manifesto, underscoring its importance to the people of Sikkim. During his visit to Sikkim, JP Nadda was briefed on this crucial issue by BJP leadership, highlighting its critical role in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the state. We are immensely pleased with the swift decision made by the Health Ministry in favor of Sikkim,” said Thapa.
However, State Health minister GT Dhungel dismissed the claim of the approval of a government medical college for Sikkim as “absurd”.
“The National Medical Commission had come for survey on June 24, following which they have denied approval for a medical college to Sikkim just yet. They surveyed the location below current Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital in Sokeythang. There has been no work initiated while many formalities are yet to be completed. Hence, this claim that Medical College had been approved for Sikkim is absurd,” said Dhungel.
Dhungel along with Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay had met Union Health Minister Nadda last month in Delhi.
The Health minister confirmed of placing the demand for a medical college in Sikkim at the meeting. Following the meeting, the NMC sent a team to survey the potential location as well as much needed formalities for approval of a medical college.
"The approval stands denied following the survey of June 24", confirmed Dhungel.