If the guidelines framed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for undergraduate courses come into force from the next academic year, none of the five southern states can open new medical colleges or add more MBBS seats in existing institutions.
According to the Union government’s gazette on August 16, from the next academic year, approval for new medical colleges and a rise in the number of MBBS seats will be based on the population of the state. These norms are applicable to both private and state-run institutions.
“After AY 2023-24, the Letter of Permission (LOP) for starting new medical colleges shall be issued only for an annual intake capacity of 50/100/150 seats: Provided that the medical college shall follow the ratio of 100 MBBS seats for every 10 lakh population in that state/UT,” read the notification. These guidelines have, however, put Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana in a fix as they have already crossed the mark.
According to The Print, this move is based on a doctor-to-population ratio prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which requires every country to have a one doctor per 1,000 people ratio.
Read Here: Assessment shows majority of medical colleges have ghost faculty
According to data provided in the Parliament, Tamil Nadu has 11,600 seats for a projected population of 7.64 crore as of 2021, while Karnataka has 11,695 seats (6.68 crore), Andhra Pradesh has 6,435 seats (5.27 crore) and Kerala has 4,655 seats (3.54 crore).
However, as per the new norms, Tamil Nadu should only have around 7,600 seats, Karnataka (6,700), Andhra Pradesh (5,300), Kerala (3,500), and Telangana (3,700). The doctor-population ratio of 1:1,000 is also high in all the southern states compared to the national average of 1: 854, stated a report by Deccan Herald.
With these guidelines, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka can have one medical college in each district.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
