The state government has taken a big step to boost Ayurvedic education by increasing seats at the Government Ayurved College and Hospital (GACH), Sakkardara Road. With this decision, more students will now have the chance to study for a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree.
On January 10, the government issued a letter approving the rise in BAMS seats from 125 to 200. The college will also add two new academic departments, increasing the total from 10 to 12.
Founded in 1965, GACH is a well-known Ayurvedic institute in the region. It already offers 75 postgraduate (MD) seats and 35 Ph.D. seats. The college also provides healthcare services to about 1,000 patients every day, making it a trusted name in Ayurveda.
According to local media reports, Dr. Rajendra Sonekar, Dean of GACH, stated that the decision to increase the number of seats was taken after the state assessed and found that “the availability of clinical resources in the proposed area was adequate.”
Sources reveal that the college has been directed to admit students only after receiving the necessary approval from the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for the Indian System of Medicine.
Dr. Rajendra Sonekar shared that the college has outlined a Rs 365 crore expansion plan, which includes building a new administrative and hospital complex. As part of this project, the hospital’s capacity will grow significantly, with the number of beds increasing from 180 to 350.
Of the total budget, Rs 162 crore has been earmarked for the hospital’s construction, while ₹105 crore will go toward the new administrative building. Administrative approval for the building has already been granted, according to Dr. Sonekar.