In Vijayawada, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) initially approved the establishment of five new medical colleges for the academic year 2024-25, sparking optimism across Andhra Pradesh. However, this optimism was short-lived as the NMC subsequently denied issuing the Letter of Permission (LOP) necessary for admissions to these colleges. The decision came after an inspection by the NMC Expert Committee revealed inadequate facilities and infrastructure at the colleges in Markapur, Madanapalle, Adoni, Paderu, and Pulivendula.
The inspection conducted on June 24, 2024, highlighted deficiencies in faculty and infrastructure, which were attributed to delays in tender agreements and insufficient time for completion of civil works. Tender agreements for these colleges were signed as late as June 2021 for Paderu and February 2023 for Madanapalle, Markapur, Adoni, and Pulivendula. Despite a sanctioned budget of Rs 2,425 crore, only Rs 533 crore (22%) has been utilized, with significant pending payments and construction halts since July 2023.
Critical issues include delayed release of Central funds and NABARD loans, affecting the progress of these projects. The NMC's inspection also noted substantial faculty shortages, ranging from 26% to 51% across different positions, with Pulivendula and Markapur facing the highest deficits.
The current government, in power since June 2024, inherited these challenges from the previous administration and faces an uphill task to rectify them swiftly. Director of Medical Education, Dr. Narasimham, emphasized the need for addressing infrastructure deficiencies and recruiting faculty promptly to meet NMC standards and obtain LOP for the upcoming academic year.
Efforts are underway to expedite infrastructure improvements and financial clearances to ensure compliance with NMC guidelines and secure approval for the new medical colleges.