State moots proposal to set up eight new medical colleges

Over a month ago, the government had sent a similar proposal to the Union Health Ministry seeking its approval for setting up another five medical colleges in the state 8212; two in Ahmedabad and one each in Bhuj, Patan and Bhavnagar 8212; with 750 seats.

The Centre has already forwarded this proposal to the Medical Council of India MCI for its consideration.

Vyas said an MCI team was expected to visit Gujarat shortly to explore the possibility of setting up five colleges in response to the proposal. If the Centre accepts both the proposals, the number of medical seats in Gujarat will swell to 3,450.

At present, there are 1,500 seats in 11 medical colleges 8212; seven being run by the government and four self-financed 8212; in the state.

Sources in the Health Department said the government has set a target of increasing medical seats to 4,500 in the next four years.

8220;We have plans to augment seats for not only MBBS courses, but also for post-graduate courses in medical colleges across the state,8221; a senior official said.