Kolkata: The West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Limited (WBMSCL), acting on a directive from CM Suvendu Adhikari, has initiated the process to establish three new state-run medical colleges. This strategic expansion aims to add 300 MBBS seats to the state's healthcare network, with 100 seats allocated to each new facility.
Announcement and Directives
On May 23, Adhikari had announced the creation of four new medical colleges. On Thursday, WBMSCL issued directives to the chief medical officers of health (CMOHs) in South Dinajpur, Alipurduar and West Burdwan, instructing them to immediately assess land availability and existing infrastructure.
Compliance with NMC Regulations
To comply with National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations, WBMSCL has outlined strict criteria for the new institutions. Each site must feature a hospital with a minimum of 420 beds and maintain an average annual occupancy rate of 80 per cent. The specifications also mandate dedicated academic buildings, alongside comprehensive hostel facilities for students, interns and resident staff.
While NMC allows the academic block and hospital to operate on separate campuses, WBMSCL has emphasized that the total distance between the two sites must not exceed 10km. The CMOHs have been directed to first evaluate whether sufficient space exists within current hospital boundaries. If they fall short, district administrations will step in to identify a secondary plot nearby. This will be followed by an engineering team's on-site inspections to verify suitability.
Boosting Medical Infrastructure
This expansion will significantly boost the state's medical infrastructure, building upon the 27 government-run medical colleges currently operating across Bengal.
