The National Medical Commission Chairman Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth has announced a significant policy shift allowing both non profit and for profit companies to establish medical colleges under the Public Private Partnership model. The earlier regulation restricting medical colleges to non profit Section 8 companies has been officially shelved.
Policy Change Announced at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences
Addressing the media at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, Mr Sheth stated that a recent NMC board meeting removed the restriction on for profit entities. This move now enables wider participation from private players in medical education through PPP arrangements.
PPP Model Aimed at Better Resource Utilisation
According to Mr Sheth, the NMC believes that collaboration between public and private entities will lead to more efficient utilisation of available infrastructure and resources for medical education. The PPP model is expected to strengthen both teaching capacity and healthcare delivery.
State Governments to Regulate PPP Medical Colleges
Mr Sheth clarified that the implementation of the PPP model remains the prerogative of state governments. He pointed out that this model is already functioning successfully in Gujarat, serving as an example for other states to follow.
Free or Subsidised Treatment for Patients Under PPP Hospitals
The NMC Chairman assured that hospitals running under the PPP mechanism will remain under the purview of state governments. As a result, patients receiving care in these hospitals will be eligible for free or subsidised treatment, addressing concerns about affordability.
Clinical Research and AI Made Mandatory in Medical Education
To enhance the quality of medical education, the NMC has made clinical research compulsory. This includes the adoption of artificial intelligence, futuristic technologies, and digital healthcare solutions as integral components of medical training.
Focus on Preventive Healthcare and Student Mental Well Being
Mr Sheth also highlighted that the NMC is actively raising public awareness about disease prevention. In addition, initiatives are being undertaken to address the mental well being of medical students, recognising the increasing stress within medical education.
Introduction of New PhD Courses and Simplified Accreditation
The NMC plans to introduce new PhD specialty and sub specialty courses to strengthen academic research. Clinical research will be mandatory, the accreditation process for medical colleges will be simplified, and measures will be implemented to prevent delays in counselling.
Discussions Held With Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister
Earlier in the day, Mr Sheth held discussions with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on various issues related to medical education, including infrastructure development and academic expansion.
Plan to Increase PG Seats to Match MBBS Intake
Dr NTR University of Health Sciences Vice Chancellor P Chandrasekhar announced that steps are being taken to increase postgraduate seats in proportion to MBBS admissions. This move aims to address the imbalance between undergraduate and postgraduate training opportunities.
Family Medicine Initiative to Address Doctor Shortage
To tackle the shortage of doctors in taluk level hospitals and facilities with 50 to 100 beds, a new Family Medicine initiative is being introduced. Approximately 500 seats will be created under this program to strengthen primary and secondary healthcare services.
University Research Day and Increased Funding Announced
Dr Chandrasekhar announced that University Research Day will be observed on January 12 to commemorate the birth centenary of renowned Indian biochemist Yellapragada Subbarao. Each government medical college will receive 50 lakh per year for research activities and 25 lakh per year for sports development.
