New NMC norms will not allow southern states to open new medical colleges

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.