NMC rejects applications for 5 new medical colleges, loss of 250 MBBS seats in Chhattisgarh

New Delhi: Noting significant shortcomings in infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and mandatory documentation during its assessment process, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has refused to approve applications for five proposed government medical colleges in Chhattisgarh.

The proposed colleges were planned in Kawardha, Janjgir-Champa, Manendragarh, Dantewada and Kunkuri, with each college expected to offer 50 MBBS seats which could have benefited the state with improved medical education and healthcare facilities.

At present, Chhattisgarh has 10 government and 5 private medical colleges, offering a combined total of 2,330 MBBS seats.

With this decision, the state has lost 250 MBBS seats for the upcoming academic session, affecting thousands of NEET-UG aspirants who were expecting more admission opportunities and lower cut-offs.

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According to TNIE sources, officials reportedly assumed that approval from the NMC would be easily granted to government colleges even without proper preparation on the ground.

Sources alleged that while administrative appointments such as Deans and Medical Superintendents were made on paper, the actual campuses were far from ready. 

At least two to three colleges reportedly failed to even attach their mandatory affiliation certificates from the Health Sciences University, a primary, non-negotiable document for NMC approval.

The NMC grants approval to new medical colleges after checking whether they meet the required standards for medical education, infrastructure, hospital facilities, faculty, and patient care. 

However, during the inspection, the NMC reportedly found serious deficiencies across all five colleges. The buildings and laboratory facilities allegedly did not meet regulatory standards, while also suffering from a severe staff shortage and lacking modern medical machinery and essential diagnostic tools.

Following the rejection, the state government has now started to address the deficiencies. 

Acknowledging the crisis, Medical Education officials admitted that the NMC report denied recognition to all 5 colleges.

"We will address the specific deficiencies pointed out in each college and file an appeal," the officials said.

Also read- NMC Denies MBBS Permission To 13 UP Medical Colleges, State To File Appeal