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Falkawn, Aizawl – October 30, 2024
In a milestone for Mizoram’s healthcare sector, Chief Minister Lalduhoma inaugurated the state’s first Master’s degree programme in Public Health (MPH) at Zoram Medical College, Falkawn, on Wednesday. Alongside this pioneering academic development, he also inaugurated the newly constructed 80-bed Curie’s Ladies Hostel, marking significant strides in the state’s healthcare education infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, CM Lalduhoma underscored Zoram Medical College’s crucial role as Mizoram’s only medical institution, stating, “Today marks a new chapter that reflects our commitment to quality education and infrastructure. Zoram Medical College will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in Mizoram.”
The Curie’s Ladies Hostel, a project overseen by the Mizoram Public Works Department and financed by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) under the NESIDS OTRI Scheme, involved a total expenditure of Rs 10 crore. Designed to improve student accommodations, the hostel provides female students with enhanced amenities including a mess, kitchen, and common room. This expansion brings the total capacity of the college’s female student accommodation to 282 beds, offering a more comprehensive living arrangement for nearly all MBBS students at the college.
The newly introduced two-year MPH programme aims to address the demand for skilled public health professionals in Mizoram. An official from the Health Department shared, “The MPH programme is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and will admit six students annually at a fee of Rs 2 lakh per year.” The programme, affiliated with Mizoram University, will also partner with the Jodhpur School of Public Health to enhance academic standards and training quality.
This launch aligns with the objectives of India’s National Health Policy 2017, which highlights the establishment of a dedicated Public Health Cadre as a national priority. The new MPH programme is a critical step towards developing specialized public health professionals within the state.
Since its founding in 2018, Zoram Medical College has admitted a total of 674 MBBS students. Among them, the inaugural batch of 97 students has completed internships, while 97 more from the 2019 batch are currently interning. Additionally, 480 MBBS students are enrolled across cohorts from 2020 to 2024. Admission for the latest intake is actively underway, with 85 out of the 100 available seats filled.
Officials see these advancements as a commitment by the Mizoram government to elevate healthcare education and infrastructure, emphasizing the state’s dedication to fostering growth and enhancing student welfare within the healthcare sector.
