NMC flags deficiencies at GMC Rudrapur, Pithoragarh during inspection
Dehradun: The Government Medical Colleges in Rudrapur and Pithoragarh will undergo a second round of the National Medical Commission (NMC) inspection for MBBS course approval after the Commission recently flagged deficiencies in faculty and infrastructure at both institutions.
The Uttarakhand government had applied for NMC recognition to start MBBS courses at both institutions from the 2026-27 academic session with an annual intake of 100 MBBS students each.
The follow-up inspection is scheduled for August. If the colleges successfully address the deficiencies identified during the first inspection, the NMC is expected to approve them to admit their inaugural batch of MBBS students this academic year.
Director of the Uttarakhand Department of Medical Education, Dr Ajay Arya, told TOI, "Our teams have addressed the compliance raised by the inspection team. Once the NMC grants recognition, both medical colleges will begin their first academic sessions this year."
Meanwhile, officials said students admitted to the two new government medical colleges may be exempted from Uttarakhand's compulsory service bond policy. The move is being considered as government hospitals in the state reportedly have sufficient medical officers.
Recently, Uttarakhand Health and Medical Education Minister Subodh Uniyal said a proposal to discontinue the compulsory service bond requirement for MBBS students would be placed before the state cabinet.
Officials said that the Government Medical College, Pithoragarh, is expected to improve access to medical education for students from the Kumaon region by reducing the need to travel to Haldwani, Almora, or other districts. It will also provide an opportunity to pursue an MBBS degree at a government institution at a lower cost than private medical colleges.
Uttarakhand currently has around 1,125 MBBS seats across government and private medical colleges. Among the government institutions, Doon Medical College and Government Medical College, Srinagar, have 150 seats each, Government Medical College, Haldwani, has 125 seats, while Government Medical Colleges in Haridwar and Almora admit 100 students each. Approval for the Rudrapur and Pithoragarh colleges would further increase the state's government MBBS seat capacity.
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