The National Medical Commission (NMC), through its Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB), has officially approved a substantial number of applications for new postgraduate medical courses and seat increases in existing programs for the academic year 2024-25
According to a public notice released by the NMC on May 4th, a total of 153 applications have been approved, which includes 110 new PG medical courses and an increase in seats for 43 existing courses. This move comes as part of the NMC’s ongoing efforts to enhance medical education capacity across the country and address the growing need for specialized medical professionals.
The approved applications were communicated to the concerned medical institutions and colleges via email, using the contact details provided in their online applications. The MARB had earlier communicated its decision on 101 other applications on April 28th, suggesting a comprehensive evaluation process aimed at bolstering the country’s healthcare education infrastructure.
Among the institutions benefiting from this new approval are prominent medical colleges such as ACS Medical College and Hospital in Chennai, Al-Azhar Medical College and Super Speciality Hospital in Thodupuzha, and Chirayu Medical College and Hospital in Bhopal, each receiving multiple approvals for new courses as well as increases in existing course capacities.
For instance, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, has received approval to start new PG courses in highly specialized fields such as M.Ch. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and M.Ch. Urology. Meanwhile, Chirayu Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal has been granted approval to increase seats in critical areas including MD in General Medicine, Pediatrics, and Dermatology among others.
The MARB’s latest approvals also include new courses at government institutions like the Diamond Harbour Government Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal, which now can offer new PG courses in MD – Biochemistry, MD – Pathology, and several others. This inclusion of government medical colleges is seen as a strategic move to strengthen public health systems and ensure a wider distribution of medical education resources.
Dr. J. L. Meena, Member of the MARB, underscored the importance of these expansions: “With the approval of these applications, we aim to significantly enhance the quality and quantity of medical education and training in India. This will not only help in producing more competent specialists but also in improving the healthcare delivery system at large.”
The NMC has advised all approved institutions to undertake necessary actions within the stipulated timelines to commence the new courses and implement the seat increases by the start of the academic year in 2024.
This development is expected to positively impact healthcare services across India by addressing both the shortage of specialized medical personnel and the rising demand for advanced medical care. The NMC’s ongoing efforts to expand and improve medical education are crucial in meeting the health challenges of a growing population.
To read full Public Notice
