Approval of medical colleges in Gujarat face limbo as National Medical Commission delays inspection process

Ahmedabad: Across India, 735 medical colleges and about 3,000 postgraduate programmes are waiting for approval. The National Medical Commission (NMC) needs to inspect them and give approvals by May 31. But the NMC has not started the inspections yet, causing worry that approvals might not come on time.

Every year, the NMC checks and approves medical colleges in India, including those in Gujarat. While existing colleges might undergo virtual checks, new colleges need in-person visits. Health sources say that 735 medical colleges across the country are waiting for approval, and over 100 of them are new.

Also, decisions are pending for 3,000 postgraduate courses, with around 1,000 of them asking for permission for new seats. Colleges need to follow rules to increase seats or get approval for new postgraduate seats.

Right now, all colleges have sent in their requests for inspection. The NMC is supposed to decide on inspections and approvals by May 31. Healthcare professionals point out that the NMC has not started the inspection process. Because the NMC started late, people are worried about whether they can finish on time.

Sources say the NMC does not have enough staff to inspect all the new colleges nationwide. If the approval process is not done by May 31, it could cause problems with new admissions and subsequent activities.