Centre approves establishment of 10 new medical colleges in Rajasthan

Jaipur: The state of Rajasthan will soon experience expanded healthcare service as the Centre has given its nod for the establishment 10 new medical colleges in Jaisalmer, Karauli, Banswara, Alwar, Nagaur, Bundi, Sirohi, Baran, Chittorgarh and Sriganganagar districts.

Confirmation to this effect has been given by the Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Rohit Kumar Singh, who stated that the Centre has accepted the proposal for 10 more medical colleges and this will go a long way in improving the quality of healthcare in Rajasthan and bridge the gap in the availability of the human resource.

Earlier this month, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had mentioned that the Rajasthan government was working in direction of starting a medical college in every district of the state.

Also Read: Will open medical college in every district: Rajasthan CM Gehlot

Last year, Rajasthan had suffered a set back with the Medical Council of India (MCI), for the 2^nd consecutive year refusing to give permission for the starting of the proposed 7 new government medical colleges in the state.

The state government was extremely optimistic about starting the academic sessions in these colleges from 2018-19 in at least 5 districts, namely Churu, Pali, Bhilwara, Bharatpur, and Dungarpur. However, all proposals for the five district colleges was rejected by the Council and there was dim hope for the ones planned at Barmer and Sikar as these were not equipped right from the start to make this new beginning.

Read also:7 new government medical colleges in Rajasthan denied MCI approval

Now, with the nod for the 10 new medical colleges, the central government has already approved Rs 325 crore for the Jaisalmer medical college.

In Jaisalmer, the medical college will have 300 beds. As per Jaisalmer collector Namit Mehta, the Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) has issued 55 bighas of land on the Ramgarh Road for the new medical college.

"The Centre has approved Rs 325 crore for the Jaisalmer medical college," Sudhansh Pant, joint secretary with the health ministry and district in-charge told TOI.