SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has directed the principals of seven newly established medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir to take necessary steps to increase their MBBS intake by 50 seats each, in addition to their existing capacity of 100. During a meeting with the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, Dulloo emphasised the optimal utilisation of available infrastructure and manpower to achieve this goal while also prioritising the addition of postgraduate and super-speciality courses such as MD, MS, and DNB.
The meeting, attended by key officials including the Secretary of H&ME, principals of medical colleges, and representatives from allied departments, also reviewed the upgradation of patient care services and the completion of various health infrastructure projects across the Union Territory. Dulloo instructed the formulation of a comprehensive plan to elevate tertiary care services in all new medical colleges and district hospitals within the next year, assuring the government’s full support for these efforts.
He highlighted the need to address human resource gaps by referring to unfilled teaching positions and expediting appointments for professors and other critical roles. Additionally, the Chief Secretary reviewed the implementation of IT-enabled healthcare services such as Tele-ICU, e-Sanjeevani, Tele Radiology, and e-Sahaj, urging their swift adoption to make healthcare more accessible, especially in remote districts.
On the infrastructure front, the meeting assessed the progress of major projects, including the new medical colleges, the additional block at LD Hospital, the State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Srinagar, and critical care blocks under central schemes. Dulloo sought updates on physical progress and timelines for these projects.
H&ME Secretary Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah informed the meeting that applications had been submitted to the National Medical Commission for 213 PG, 88 DNB, and 28 DM/MCH seats for the 2025-26 session. He also revealed plans to add the additional MBBS seats in the new medical colleges, with proposals already received from GMC Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kathua.
