The Maharashtra government is considering granting deemed university status to three of its oldest and most reputed medical institutions — Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur; BJ Medical College, Pune; and JJ Hospital, Mumbai.
If approved within the next six months, it would be the first time government-run medical colleges in Maharashtra are granted autonomy — a distinction previously enjoyed mostly by private institutions.
The three colleges submitted the proposal to the Department of Medical Education and Research (DMER), which has now referred it to the state government. According to sources, a decision could be expected by the end of this year.
Autonomy would empower these institutions to design their own courses, update curricula, strengthen research facilities, quicker decision-making, and academic innovation, giving them greater flexibility to address the changing needs of medical education and healthcare.
Currently, govt medical colleges in Maharashtra come under DMER, while the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik, conducts examinations and awards degrees. Dean of GMCH, Nagpur, Dr Raj Gajbhiye said, “Autonomy would enable us to run our own courses, hold examinations, and take decisions at the institution level. One of the biggest advantages would be financial freedom, as we would be able to access and utilise our own funds instead of waiting for approvals from DMER.
Officials believe that granting autonomy will not only accelerate the development of these institutions but also directly benefit students and patients.
Expected outcomes include an increase in postgraduate seats, the establishment of specialized research centers, and upgraded infrastructure. These changes could enable government colleges to keep pace with private deemed universities, while ensuring that medical education and research continue to serve the public interest.
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