Mysore/Mysuru: Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil has said “The new guidelines of National Medical Commission (NMC) has turned into a hurdle to realise the plans of establishing one Medical College in each district.”

“Our Government’s policy is to establish one Medical College in each district and 23 such colleges have been already established. However, it may take sometime to replicate the plan in remaining districts. Till recently there were no such regulations, as in the recent NMC circular it has been stipulated to establish Medical College with 100 medical seats for every 10 lakh population. However, the capping of seats is unacceptable and we won’t give any consent,” said Dr. Patil who hinted at replying on these lines to NMC circular.

 Alleging that the Centre is practicing a step-motherly attitude by imposing restrictions, the Minister said “Our State population is about 7 crore with 12,000 medical seats, exceeding NMC guidelines. Hence, such restrictions are unscientific and against public interest. We are keen on establishing more Government Medical Colleges, apart from the provision to establish more Private Medical Colleges.”

Inspects Hospitals

The Minister, who visited K.R. Hospital, Cheluvamba Hospital, Trauma Care Centre and Super Specialty Hospital on Oct. 26, said he has given suggestions regarding the renovation of Hospitals and MMC&RI building at a cost of Rs.89 crore. He noted  that MMC&RI, built by Nalwadi in 1924 will be celebrating its centenary in 2024 and in this backdrop he has asked the authorities to make preparations for the centenary in a purposeful manner.