GMC Jammu renews 150 seats, Dental College gets approval for PG courses

Jammu: The state of Jammu is taking strong and confident leaps in the field of medical education with the launch of PG courses in the state run Government Dental College (GDC) and the Medical Council of India (MCI),giving approval to Government Medical College, Jammu ( GMC Jammu) to go ahead with the present 150 seats of MBBS.

The state's Health Minister, Mr. Bali on his maiden visit to the GDC instructed the college Principal to ensure all mandatory requirements of the Dental Council of India (DCI), like creation of necessary infrastructure & hostel facilities for the PG students were complete, so that classes could commence during the next session.

While the principal and other college functionaries updated the state Health Minister on the functioning of the College Hospital, the minister spoke to them about creating a better atmosphere in the institution for patients and making optimum use of the newly constructed complex. He also mentioned that the ongoing construction work at the old complex be continued in a smooth manner.

On the issue of parking and sanitation Mr. Bali asked the college authorities to submit a comprehensive DPR for construction of an exclusive parking space on the pattern of Government Medical College, according to requirement, within a week's time. He mentioned the government's decision about outsourcing sanitation to Sulabh International, since it was an appropriate agency for the task. All District level hospitals in the state have to have their sanitation outsourced, he revealed.

The topic of old Psychiatric Hospital land being incorporated in the Dental college was also discussed in depth and the administrative wing asked to submit a proposal. He also heard doctor and para-medic's grievances; assuring speedy action on them- on priority basis.

Principal Government Dental College, Dr. Romesh Singh, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Sunita Puri and HoDs Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Dr. Bhawna Koul, Dr. Arvind Mengi, Dr. Iqbal Singh, Dr. Manik Sharma, Dr. Akshay Gupta and Dr. Renu Gupta were present on the occasion.

MCI Inspection at Medical College

Meanwhile ,The MCI inspection team that visited the institution on Wednesday in order to conduct 4th batch renewal inspection, came across on a positive note at the end of the inspection by giving a go ahead to the institution on its 150 seats for the year. Though a temporary approval as the team will pay another visitnext year for the final one.

The MCI mentioned 21% staff shortage last year, had been reduced to a mere 5%(which is within acceptable limit of MCI) this year. Besides this, the other deficiencies pointed at by MCI last year including: lack of one examination hall (against two), deficient library space, a male /female hostel at Rural Community Health Centre in RS Pura, deficiency of e-class rooms, manpower shortage and lack of proper computerization of MRD Section, had been fully achieved now. Besides the mentioned, all other infra structural deficiencies in the college had also been met with.

Having satisfied itself on all counts, the apex body had come forward & granted temporary permission. With the final to happen next year, when the MCI came to inspect again.

On the issue of Bio metric attendance, the inspection team took a severe stand and asked the college authorities to do the needful, by having it installed, at the earliest. Sources stated, Health Minister, Bali Bhagat, Secretary, Health and Medical Education, MK Bhandari and Executive Member of MCI, Dr Anil Mahajan to have played a positive role in removal of these deficiencies .