NMC grants LoP to NIMSR for 100 MBBS seats

Kohima: Following the nod from the National Medical Commission (NMC) to start its first medical college since Nagaland got statehood in 1963, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of NMC has given the Letter of Permission (LoP) for 100 MBBS seats to start the new medical college by Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Phirebagie, Kohima under Nagaland University, Kohima for the Academic Year 2023-2024.

The LoP issued by the MARB of the National Medical Commission yesterday stated that the present proposal has been approved on the basis of Physical Compliance Verification Assessment Report and also keeping in view the undertaking given by the Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Nagaland that all the deficiencies as pointed out by the MARB will be rectified by 31st May, 2023. 

The ‘Letter of Permit’ (LOP) was received just days after the state responded with an acceptance letter to the ‘Letter of Intent’ that the NMC had notified for 100 MBBS seats as reported by Medical Dialogues team.

Also read- With NMC Approval To 100 MBBS Seats, Nagaland To Get Its First Medical College

It further said that the college authorities may take up the matter of recognition of the qualification under Section 25(2) of the IMC Act at the time of the first batch admitted against the sanctioned intake of 100 MBBS seats appears the final examinations with the National Medical Commission. 

The MARB directed that the Dean of the institution would be fully responsible to fulfil and maintain norms including the infrastructure both physical and human resource, teaching faculty and clinical material etc. throughout the academic year, as stipulated in Regulation of National Medical Commission.

Further, it cautioned that in case of false or wrong declaration or fabricated documents being used for procuring permission of the MARB and the said misconduct is brought to the notice of National Medical Commission or found during surprise assessment at any stage during the current academic year, the institution is liable, not be considered for recognition of the degree. 

Meanwhile, the MARB informed that it is mandatory to develop biometric attendance, website on the medical college/institution and display all the information of the college, courses offered, the faculty available and their experience over the last 5 years, students joined, and affiliating university. It further directed display of hospital services, facilities available, and the equipment in each specialty, also showing OP and IP census, including births and deaths as per municipal/government records. 

Expressing gratitude, Nagaland In-service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) has congratulated the State government as well as the Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) for successfully obtaining the Letter of Intent (LoI) from the National Medical Commission (NMC) to start the first medical college in the State.

"Nagaland was the only State in the country without a medical college at present. To have a medical college of our own had been a long cherished dream for many of us. Today that dream became a reality due to this LoI, which could also be termed as a permit to start a new medical college," said NIDA president Dr Bernard Amer and general secretary Dr Nitovi Shikhu.

If the college functions smoothly, they said it would become a boon for the State as this would create employment opportunities in both technical and non-technical categories. On the medical education front, they pointed out that this would usher in an academic atmosphere, whereby the students and faculties would get an opportunity to engage in latest medical education and technologies.

They conveyed their gratitude to all who had worked tireless to achieve this goal, especially to chief minister Neiphiu Rio and H&FW minister Paiwang Konyak for showing their political will, commissioner & secretary Y Kikheto Sema for his dedication and dynamic leadership, H&FW principal director Dr Vibetunuo and Dr Soumya Chakraborty for their expert guidance. 

Appreciating their heartwarming message, Minister P Paiwang Konyak tweeted "Appreciates Nagaland In-Service Doctors' Association (NIDA) for the support and the encouragement. Once a dream, turns to reality & may the good Lord be with Nagaland Institute Of Medical Science & Research (NIMSR)."

Also read- NMC Nod To 150 MBBS Seats At GMC Nandyal