NMC puts Clearances for 5 New AP Medical Colleges on HOLD over infrastructure deficiencies

New Delhi: Finding the infrastructure at the proposed five medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh deficient, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has put the clearances for them on hold.

The NMC decision comes after a screening committee of the Commission inspected the proposed colleges at Paderu, Madanapalli, Pulivendula, Adoni, and Markapuram and expressed displeasure over the infrastructure and facilities, TOI has reported.

The Apex Medical Education Regulatory Body has informed that it would grant permission for admissions into the new colleges from the current academic year only if the State responds satisfactorily to its queries and initiates remedial measures. Till then, the permission will be put on hold.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Andhra Pradesh was planning to establish five new government medical colleges at Pulivendula, Paderu, Markapuram, Adoni, and Madanapalle with an intake capacity of 150 MBBS seats each.

Earlier, the State's Medical and Health Department had applied to NMC, the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) for its approval to start classes in these new colleges.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh to launch 5 New Medical Colleges this year, 750 MBBS Seats to be added

The State Government was planning to set up 17 government medical colleges in three years and has already launched the medical colleges in Vijayanagaram, Eluru, Rajahmundry, Machilipatnam, and Nandyal. Apart from these, the State has plans to open seven more new medical colleges from the academic year 2025-2026.

As per the latest media report by the Times of India, a high-level committee from the Commission inspected the proposed five medical colleges on June 25 and accordingly submitted its report to the Commission. Sources informed that the inspection committees were dissatisfied with the poor infrastructure facilities at Adoni and Markapuram medical colleges and suggested possible improvements at the medical colleges at Padery and Madandapalle. 

Commenting on the matter, a Senior Official from the State Medical Education Department told the Daily, "We are still hopeful of getting permission for the five colleges. We will send a fresh representation with our explanations."

He added that the buildings for classrooms, practices, seminar halls and student hostels are almost completed in all the five locations and such infrastructure is sufficient for getting the Apex Medical Commission's clearance for admissions. Currently, the officials are trying to get permission for at least 100 seats each instead of 150 MBBS seats in the first year.

However, the State is facing hurdles in terms of recruitment of faculties, especially for the super-speciality wings. This is because the proposed medical colleges are located in remote areas of the State and the professors are unwilling to work there.

Also Read: Maharashtra to file appeal before NMC for proposed 9 GMCs