'Healthcare boost': MBBS seats at Malda Medical College increase from 125 to 150

Malda, July 16 -- In a major boost to medical education and healthcare in North Bengal, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved an increase in MBBS seats at Malda Medical College and Hospital from 125 to 150. The additional 25 seats will be available from the current academic session, enabling more aspiring doctors to study at the government institution.

The announcement has been welcomed by students, medical professionals and educationists across Malda district. The college had earlier applied to the National Medical Commission seeking approval to increase its undergraduate intake. After assessing the institution's academic standards, infrastructure, faculty strength and healthcare facilities, the Commission granted permission for the expansion.

Malda Medical College and Hospital currently offers MBBS education in 21 departments and postgraduate MD courses in seven specialities. The authorities have also applied for approval to introduce another MD course, aiming to strengthen postgraduate medical education and improve specialist healthcare services in the region.

Principal Dr Partha Pratim Mukhopadhyay said: "We had applied to the National Medical Commission for increasing MBBS seats. From this academic session, 25 additional seats have been sanctioned, taking the total intake to 150. This will enable more students to study medicine. We have also applied for another MD course. Expansion of postgraduate seats will not only improve academic activities but also enhance healthcare services, as more doctors will be available to serve patients."

Officials said the approval reflects the continuous improvement in teaching quality, clinical training, infrastructure and patient care at the institution. The increased intake is expected to address the growing demand for medical education while producing more qualified doctors for Malda and

neighbouring districts.

English Bazar MLA Amlan Bhaduri welcomed the development. He said: "There is a shortage of doctors in hospitals, health centres and medical colleges across the state. More doctors are needed. The new government is committed to filling vacant posts in the coming days, and people will receive better

healthcare services."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.