The Hindu : Karnataka News : Two more medical colleges next year

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 28, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Two more medical colleges next year

By Our Staff Correspondent

BIJAPUR, MARCH 27. The State Government, which has initiated steps to start six medical colleges from the coming academic year, has agreed in principle to open two more such colleges — one in Gulbarga and the other in Uttar Kannada district.

The Minister for Medical Education, Iqbal Ansari, told presspersons that these two colleges will start from the academic year 2006-07. However, the Cabinet has to take final decision on the issue.

To a query, he said the place for the medical college in Uttar Kannada is not yet decided. It may be the district headquarters, Karwar, or any other place where a viable hospital facility exists, because new medical colleges are being attached to existing hospitals.

Mr. Ansari said it has been estimated that the each medical college needs Rs. 27.5 crores. While infrastructures such as land and buildings need Rs. 20 crores, the rest will be spent for medical equipment. For preparatory work of these six new colleges, Rs. 1 crore each has been released and Rs. 5 crores will be provided for the next financial year.

On the intake in the new colleges, he said each institute will have 100 seats, and students will be admitted from the next academic year.

An inspection team from Medical Council of India (MCI) will be coming to Karnataka to see whether the infrastructure provided to these colleges meets the criteria for recognition.

On the reduced intake at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubli, from 150 seats 100 seats, Mr. Ansari said efforts are on to get back the original intake (150 seats) by enhancing facilities. Steps are taken to stake the claim before the MCI, he added.

Gauge conversion

Referring to much delayed gauge conversion work of Solapur-Gadag line via Bijapur and Bagalkot, he admitted the need to expedite the project, which once completed, will open new vista of development in the region.

The Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, will be leading a delegation to New Delhi to seek more funds for State's projects, including the Solapur-Gadag line.

Besides, whatever share the State has to bear will be made available to the Railways as per the cost sharing agreement the former has with the latter with regard to the project, Mr. Ansari added.

S.D. Karpoorimath, former MLC, and Riyaz Faruqui, former chairman of Bijapur Urban Development Authority, were present.

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