PGI Chandigarh increases sponsored seats for MD, MS, DM courses from 45 to 88

Sponsored candidates are primarily government employees, notably including defence personnel, with a prerequisite of a minimum of three years of service. Upon obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from their parent department, sponsored candidates can seek admission to the desired medical course, and during their academic pursuit, their department sponsors their salary. The move holds particular importance for defence personnel aspiring to attain super-specialty qualifications.

This pivotal decision was at the forefront of discussions during PGIMER's governing body and institute body meetings. These meetings, presided over by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya on September 7 in New Delhi, emphasized the need for this enhancement.

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Elaborating on the impact of this development, PGIMER Director Dr Vivek Lal told HT that previously, defence personnel encountered challenges in securing admissions to MD and DM courses due to limited seat availability. However, with the recent increase in reservation from 33% to 50%, the number of seats has surged from 45 to 88. Importantly, this expansion has been achieved without detrimentally affecting other categories, he added.

Additionally, the minutes from the meeting, released on a subsequent Friday, confirmed the approval of several key agendas. Aside from the augmentation of sponsored seats, the promotion of various faculty members and the creation of new posts also received the green light.

Apart from this, PGIMER has also secured approval for an MBBS course and the construction of a state-of-the-art 150-bed critical care block at its satellite centre in Sarangpur. This facility will encompass a trauma centre and an OPD, significantly enhancing medical services in the region.

Furthermore, PGIMER has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the envisaged college campus. In a notable development earlier this year, the standing finance committee granted preliminary approval to commence the MBBS course, with the college anticipated to commence operations by 2025 after obtaining requisite approvals from the Medical Council.