SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, January 23: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari on Thursday announced that MBBS and postgraduate (PG) seats in the state’s medical colleges will be increased from the next academic session.
Speaking after returning from New Delhi, Dr Ansari said the decision followed discussions with the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Pratap Rao Jadhav, on the modernisation of Jharkhand’s healthcare system and medical education.
Proposal to Increase MBBS, PG Seats
Dr Ansari, accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Ajay Kumar Singh, proposed increasing MBBS seats to 250 and expanding PG seats in state medical colleges. The Union Health Minister agreed in principle to the proposed health development projects.
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At present, MGM Medical College and Hospital (MGMMCH), Jamshedpur, has approval for 150 MBBS seats, while SNMMCH Dhanbad, PJMCH Dumka, SBMCH Hazaribagh, and MMCH Palamu each have 100 MBBS seats.
The Health Minister also proposed an increase in PG seats at MGMMCH Jamshedpur and SNMMCH Dhanbad.
Proposal for Ayurvedic Medical Colleges
Dr Ansari also proposed setting up one government and one private Ayurvedic medical college in Jharkhand.
He stated that while Ayurvedic medical colleges are operational in Maharashtra and other states, Jharkhand—despite being rich in medicinal plants and possessing vast potential for AYUSH-based treatment—lacks a single Ayurvedic medical college.
Hospitals to Be Upgraded with High-Tech Facilities
The Health Minister further proposed the establishment of advanced, high-tech laboratories, modelled after those in Japan, at medical college hospitals and Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
“My priority is to make Jharkhand’s health system high-tech so that patients do not have to go outside the state for treatment,” Dr Ansari said.
First Such Proposal in 26 Years
Dr Ansari stated that in the 26 years since Jharkhand’s formation, this is the first time a comprehensive proposal for the overall improvement of health infrastructure has been placed before the Government of India.
To strongly present the state’s demands, Dr Ansari brought ACS Health Ajay Kumar Singh to Delhi despite the officer being on leave till January 28.