Noida: As many as 157 new medical colleges have got approval under a centrally-sponsored scheme since 2014. Funds of Rs 17,691.08 crore was spent on it, according to an official response to an RTI query.
Responding to the query filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said there are 554 medical colleges, which include 286 government-run and 268 private colleges. The ministry cited data available with the National Medical Commission (NMC).
“Under the scheme, 157 new medical colleges have been approved across the country in three phases. The first phase of this scheme was launched in 2014. A fund of Rs 17,691.08 crore has been spent by the Central government during this period,” the ministry was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Noida-based RTI activist Amit Gupta sought data on number of medical colleges in the country and the government aid they received in last 10 years. The MoHFW, in reply, said its medical education (ME II) section is administering a centrally-sponsored scheme (CSS) for establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals.
“About Rs 2,451.1 crore has been provided under the CSS since 2014 for up-gradation of existing state government/central government medical colleges to increase MBBS seats in the country.”
“Under CSS for strengthening and up-gradation of state government medical colleges for starting new PG disciplines and increasing PG seats, central government has spent Rs 1,743.89 crore from year 2009-10 till date,” the ministry said.
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