Jashpurnagar . In a significant achievement for the district in the field of health and medical education, medical education will begin in Jashpur from this session. In this context, the first autonomous committee (managing body) meeting for the operation of the Government Medical College, Kunkuri, was held today in the Collectorate meeting room, under the chairmanship of Surguja Division Commissioner Narendra Dugga.

The meeting reviewed the medical college's operations, infrastructure development, human resources, financial management, and preparations for starting MBBS studies this academic year. Collector Rohit Vyas, Medical College Dean Dr. S.P. Kujur, Medical Superintendent Dr. B.R. Singh, Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. G.S. Jatra, officials from the Medical Education Department, professors from the medical college, and officials from related departments were present.

MBBS studies will start on 50 seats from this session:

During the meeting, Commissioner Narendra Dugga informed that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted permission to the Government Medical College, Kunkuri, to open 50 MBBS seats starting this academic year. Once the counseling process begins in the next few weeks, 50 students will be admitted and regular academic activities will begin.

He said that this medical college is a historic achievement in the field of medical education for Jashpur district as well as the entire Surguja division. It will provide local students with the opportunity to receive quality medical education and will also strengthen the district's health services.

Preliminary arrangements will be made in the district hospital including the Polytechnic College:

The meeting was informed that until the construction of the permanent medical college building, the medical college will operate from the Polytechnic College, its hostel complex, the District Hospital, the Mother and Child Hospital, and the Critical Care Unit in Jhargaon. Land has already been identified and allotted for the permanent campus in the Charaidand, Mayali, and Khandsa Gram Panchayats. The Commissioner, after reviewing the available infrastructure, buildings, hostels, and other assets of the Polytechnic College, directed the prompt completion of necessary improvements and construction work to facilitate the operation of the medical college. Collector Rohit Vyas directed the concerned officials to ensure that all construction and infrastructure related to the medical college are completed within the stipulated timeframe, in accordance with the National Medical Commission's standards, so that students can begin their studies on time. Dean Dr. S.P. Kujur briefed the meeting on the current status of the lecture hall, dissection hall, laboratories, library, practical rooms, and other educational facilities. He stated that necessary improvements and construction work are being carried out at a rapid pace, and all arrangements will be completed soon.

Special emphasis on availability of human resources:

The meeting discussed in detail the availability of professors, assistant professors, resident doctors, clerical staff, paramedical staff, security personnel, and cleaning staff required for the successful operation of the medical college. Commissioner Dugga directed that the process of filling medical teaching positions be expedited. In the initial phase, the necessary clerical, paramedical, security, and cleaning staff should be arranged through a placement agency. He said that experienced staff should be given priority for the smooth completion of the admission process.

Discussion on effective functioning and financial transparency of the autonomous committee:

The meeting also discussed the effective implementation of the Medical College's Autonomous Committee's regulations and the improved management of the autonomous fund. The adoption of the Model Service Recruitment Rules 2019 (Revised 2020) was also discussed. The Commissioner stated that financial discipline is essential for the smooth, transparent, and accountable functioning of the institution. He directed that regular maintenance of bookkeeping, accounts, and financial records be ensured, and that continuous monitoring be maintained through the committee.

Hostel, furniture, vehicles and essential materials will be purchased soon:

The meeting also reviewed the availability of resident doctors' accommodation, vehicle arrangements, hostel beds, furniture, laboratory materials, educational equipment and other essential resources required for the medical college. Commissioner Dugga directed that a list of all the necessary materials be prepared and the procurement process be completed soon, so that there is no hindrance in the functioning of the medical college. It was also decided in the meeting that all the departments will work in coordination with each other and complete the preparations in a timely manner, so that the successful launch of quality medical education can be ensured in the Government Medical College, Kunkuri, from this academic session itself.