Prime Highlights:
- Maharashtra may allow private universities to offer medical education, expanding opportunities for students and reducing the need to go abroad.
- Universities with existing hospitals and medical colleges will have more autonomy to design their syllabus and conduct exams under NMC regulations.
Key Facts:
- Private universities must have at least 20 years of experience in education and the necessary infrastructure to start medical courses.
- The National Medical Commission requires a hospital with 300 to 500 beds for a university to start a medical college.
Key Background:
Maharashtra is planning to let private universities, which now offer general and technical courses, start medical education programs. At present, private medical colleges in the state are affiliated with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences and follow government rules for fees and admissions.
The new proposal would enable private universities that already have medical colleges to bring them under their own management, granting them greater autonomy. At first, only private universities that already have the necessary infrastructure will be allowed to offer health science courses. Later, new colleges under private universities might also be included, which could allow more students to join these popular medical programs. Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai, which already manages health science colleges, could be an example.
To make this plan official, the Maharashtra Private Universities Act 2023 will need to be amended. A joint proposal is expected to be presented in the state assembly’s winter session in December. Around five to six educational groups have already expressed interest. CM Devendra Fadnavis, who chaired the Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development (MAHED) meeting, directed the medical education department to submit a proposal to the higher and technical education department to allow medical courses in select private universities with an A grade in NAAC.
Government officials said private universities must have at least 20 years of experience in education and the necessary infrastructure. To start a medical college, the National Medical Commission (NMC) requires a hospital with 300 to 500 beds. Universities that already have hospitals and medical colleges are likely to be approved first. These universities will follow NMC rules, but can design their own syllabus and conduct exams.
Supporters say this will stop students from going abroad for medical education in conflict zones and help reduce costs. However, there are concerns that fees at private universities could be high.
Additionally, MAHED approved 359 new college locations for the 2026-27 academic year and formed a committee to allow new social work colleges. CM Fadnavis also stressed the need for timely scholarship distribution for students.
