SRINAGAR: The Union government has approved the establishment of seven new government medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, a development aimed at bolstering medical education and healthcare infrastructure in the Union Territory.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the approvals were granted under the Centre’s Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishing new medical colleges attached to existing district and referral hospitals. This initiative prioritizes underserved and aspirational districts lacking existing medical facilities.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed the Lok Sabha that five medical colleges have been sanctioned for Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri, Doda, and Kathua under the initial phase of the scheme. A further two colleges were approved for Udhampur and Handwara, located in Kupwara district, under the third phase of the program.
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme typically involves a significant financial contribution from the central government. For North Eastern and Special Category States, the funding ratio is generally 90:10, with the Centre covering 90% of the costs. For other states and Union Territories, the ratio is usually 60:40. The Ministry confirmed that all 157 medical colleges envisioned under this scheme across the country have now received approval.
The scheme’s overarching objective is to expand access to medical education and strengthen tertiary healthcare services by establishing medical colleges in proximity to existing district and referral hospitals in regions that require greater medical attention. This strategic placement ensures that new institutions can leverage existing infrastructure and cater to immediate healthcare needs.
In a related response concerning Punjab, the Ministry indicated that three medical colleges have been sanctioned for that state in SAS Nagar, Kapurthala, and Hoshiarpur. However, it noted that no proposal has been received from the Punjab government for establishing a government medical college specifically in Rupnagar (Ropar).
The expansion of medical college facilities in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to significantly enhance the availability of trained medical professionals within the region. It is anticipated to reduce the reliance on facilities outside the Union Territory and improve the overall healthcare delivery system for its residents. The establishment of these new institutions will also create opportunities for medical research and specialized treatments.
The Chenab Times News Desk