Medical commission defers decision to limit MBBS seats in states

Hyderabad: In a recent development, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has deferred the decision to implement the allocation of only 100 MBBS seats for a population of 10 lakh until the academic year 2025-26. This decision holds significant implications for the establishment of new medical colleges, particularly in Telangana and other states.

The NMC highlighted that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) urged a re-examination of the provisions regarding the ratio of 100 MBBS seats for 10 lakh population in states. The Undergraduate Medical Education Board of the NMC made a decisive call that the ‘objective’ clause under Chapter-1 of the ‘Guidelines for Under Graduate Courses under Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Starting of New Medical Courses, Increase of Seats for Existing Courses & Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023’ would be implemented from the academic year 2025-26.

Earlier, the NMC had introduced the Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023, making it mandatory for all Indian states to adhere to the 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population ratio. This decision posed challenges, especially for smaller states in South India, such as Telangana, which had plans to initiate more medical colleges in the upcoming academic year.

Telangana plans more medical seats

With a population of 3.8 crores, Telangana, based on the 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population formula, should theoretically have only 3,800 MBBS seats. However, the state currently boasts 8,540 MBBS seats, surpassing the stipulated ratio. Furthermore, Telangana has ambitious plans to launch new medical colleges and add 800 more MBBS seats in the academic year 2024-25.

This decision by the NMC brings relief to Telangana and other states, allowing them to proceed with their plans for expanding medical education without the constraint of the earlier proposed ratio. The flexibility granted until 2025-26 opens avenues for the establishment of eight new medical colleges in Telangana, spanning locations such as Jogulamba Gadwal, Narayanpet, Mulugu, Warangal, Medak, Yadadri Bhongir, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri.