Despite growing opposition against indiscriminate opening of private universities in the state, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to open its doors to private medical education. It has approved the setting up of medical colleges and super-speciality hospitals in places like Sarkaghat in Mandi district, Baddi at Solan and Chamba.
Earlier, it had issued two Letter of Intents (LOIs) for private medical colleges to be set up at Hamirpur and Kala Amb (Sirmaur district), besides having granted approval for such institutions at Una and Palampur towns. Leading company Jaypee is a key player behind the medical college and super-speciality hospital project at Palampur, that belongs to a trust promoted by veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar.
At present, Himachal has two medical colleges: Indira Gandhi Medical College at Shimla and the Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College (RPMC) at Tanda in Kangra district. A third medical college-cum-hospital is being built by the ESI corporation at Ner Chowk in Mandi at the cost of Rs 1,100 crore.
Principal Secretary (Health) P C Dhiman said: “There is a big demand for doctors and despite having got MBBS seats increased at the two government colleges to 200, the state will need more institutions for tertiary health care. Hundreds of boys are going to other states for these courses and spending heavily on education”.
As per the proposal, the government has invited expression of interest from promoters and from public trusts by August 5. “Interested parties, trusts, or society should have Rs 25 crore corpus fund and would be required to furnish proof of financial viability of Rs 100 crore,” reads the proposal.
The government, however, has made it clear that no public land will be provided to the promoters and the latter should acquire land on their own. It will not extend any financial assistance as well.
As reported in: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/HP-opens-doors-for-more-pvt-medical-colleges--hospitals/818882/