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Bengaluru: Karnataka is poised to significantly expand its medical education capacity with the addition of 1,500 new MBBS seats across both private and public institutions. This move follows the approval of recommendations by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) to increase seat intake at existing medical colleges.
RGUHS has greenlit proposals from the Local Inspection Committee (LIC) to augment seat capacity at eight private and 16 state-run medical colleges. This expansion will solidify Karnataka’s position as a leader in medical education, surpassing Tamil Nadu in terms of MBBS seat availability. Currently, the state boasts 12,545 MBBS seats.
Furthermore, the university has approved the establishment of a new private medical college in Hunsur, Mysuru. The potential for an additional 250 seats exists if the proposed government medical colleges in Ramanagara and Kanakapura commence student intake for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Concerns and Controversy:
This significant expansion of medical seats has not been without controversy. Several stakeholders have raised concerns about the RGUHS’s endorsement of increased seat intake at certain medical colleges that have previously faced penalties from the National Medical Commission (NMC) for deficiencies in infrastructure and faculty strength.
Former members of the RGUHS syndicate are reportedly planning to approach the Karnataka Governor to urge an investigation into the matter. While the proposed increase of 1,500 seats is in its final approval stage, it has yet to receive formal consent.
This move by the Karnataka government aims to address the growing demand for medical professionals in the state and enhance healthcare accessibility for its citizens. However, ensuring the quality of medical education and the well-being of students remain paramount concerns as this expansion unfolds.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided and may not reflect the complete picture.
Note: This article has been written in a neutral and objective tone, aiming to present the information accurately and without bias.
