Panel set up to draft autonomy framework for Grant medical college, JJ hospitals, GMCH Nagpur

Mumbai: In Mumbai, the Government of Maharashtra has constituted a high-level committee to prepare a strategic framework for granting autonomy to major state-run medical institutions.

The panel, chaired by former Chief Secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia, will examine administrative and academic reforms for institutions including Grant Government Medical College, Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals, and Government Medical College and Hospital Nagpur.

The committee will review governance structures, financial autonomy, and global best practices from institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, and Tata Memorial Hospital. It will recommend the structure of governing bodies, administrative powers, financial systems, and a phased implementation plan. The panel has been asked to submit its report within three months.

According to a recent report by UNI, a high-level committee has been constituted, as per the instructions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, to prepare a detailed strategic framework for granting autonomy to the Grant Government Medical College and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals in Mumbai and the Government Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur.

Former Chief Secretary of the state, Jayant Kumar Banthia, has been appointed as the chairman of this committee.

A government resolution regarding this has been issued by the Medical Education and Drugs Department.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the objective of granting autonomy is to enhance the academic quality, research capacity, and healthcare services of major government medical institutions in the state.

The committee includes former Director of Tata Memorial Hospital Dr. Rajendra Badwe, former Director of King Edward Memorial Hospital Dr. Sanjay Oak, Associate Dean of Grant Medical College Dr. Ranjit Mankeshwar, Professor and Head of Department at B. J. Government Medical College Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, and the Registrar of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. The Registrar of the Maharashtra Medical Council will serve as the Member Secretary of the committee, reports UNI

The committee will study the current administrative and academic structure of government medical colleges in the state, the need for granting autonomous status, and its potential benefits. It will also review successful models from India and abroad, including institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, and Tata Memorial Hospital.

The committee will recommend the structure and powers of the Board of Directors and Academic Council for autonomous colleges. The powers and responsibilities of the Director, Dean and the financial and administrative mechanisms required for autonomous governance.

Policies regarding financial independence, internal revenue generation, audit systems, and new service conditions for staff and faculty.

The committee will also suggest necessary legal, administrative, and policy changes to the government.

While granting autonomy to government educational institutions, the committee will recommend the transfer of administrative and financial powers to improve efficiency. It will also propose systems for monitoring, evaluation, and accountability for the effective functioning of autonomous institutions. Additionally, it will prepare a phased implementation plan for the policy.

The committee has been directed to submit its detailed report to the government within three months. Necessary information and technical assistance will be provided through the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER). Committee members will receive honorarium, travel expenses, and other allowances as per government rules.