State plans further expansion in medical education
PNS
Ranchi
Jharkhand has achieved another major milestone in medical education with the National Medical Commission (NMC) approving an increase in MBBS seats at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, from 180 to 250. The enhanced intake will come into effect from the current academic session, allowing 250 students to be admitted.
The approval follows sustained efforts by the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department to expand undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats across the state’s medical colleges. The department had submitted the required proposals, compliance reports and supporting documents to the Centre and the NMC.
Ahead of the approval, a high-level review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh assessed the availability of infrastructure, faculty, hostels, classrooms, laboratories and other facilities needed to meet NMC norms for the increased intake.
Earlier, the government had secured approval to raise MBBS seats at MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur, from 100 to 150. Officials said efforts are underway to increase MBBS and postgraduate seats in other government medical colleges as well.
Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister Dr Irfan Ansari described the approval as the beginning of a new phase in Jharkhand’s medical education sector. He said the government has been working to address deficiencies in the healthcare system and strengthen infrastructure at RIMS, adding that the institute is steadily evolving into a premier medical institution.
Additional Chief Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh said the government’s objective is to provide more opportunities for students to pursue quality medical education within the state. He added that increasing seats is being complemented by improvements in infrastructure, faculty strength, laboratories, hostels and modern medical equipment.
RIMS Acting Director Dr D.K. Sinha welcomed the NMC approval, calling it a matter of pride for the institute and the state. He said the expansion was the result of coordinated efforts by the state government and assured that RIMS would continue to comply with all NMC standards while providing high-quality medical education.
Officials said the increased intake at RIMS and MGM Medical College would create more opportunities for aspiring doctors in Jharkhand and help strengthen the state’s healthcare system by producing a larger pool of trained medical professionals.
