Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet today approved creation of 3375 posts for five Medical Colleges in the state, an official spokesman said here this evening. 

He said the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today accorded sanction to the creation of 3375 posts of various categories for five Medical Colleges including creation of 2025 posts Medical College at Rajouri, Baramulla and Anantnag and creation of 1350 posts to be operative in the financial year 2018-19 for Medical College, Kathua and Doda once they are established/sanctioned by the competent Authority. These posts shall also be strictly as per the Medical Council of India (MCI) guidelines of 675 posts per Medical College each as proposed by the department. The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, convened a meeting of Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) at New Delhi on January 15, 2016 and June 5 2017 has approved Medical College Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri, Kathua and Doda and also during 2016-17 & 2017-18, Rs 19203 Crore (Central Share) has been released for execution of these 5 new Medical Colleges. Besides, an amount of Rs 5.70 Crore (State Share) has also been released under Capex Budget during 2016-17 and 2017-18 for the purpose. 

Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department and JKPCC has been engaged as executing agencies or for these Medical Colleges. The construction work of Medical College at Anantnag, Baramulla and Rajouri is under progress, however, in respect of Medical College at Doda & Kathua, PW (R&B) Department is in the process of floating tenders for starting of construction work. In the 1st phase, out of 5 new Medical Colleges, 3 are likely to be complete during 2018-19, subject to the availability of funds from Government of India. The department is planning to start first batch of 100 MBBS seats per medical college by 2019. Besides, the remaining 2 medical colleges shall be made functional during the corresponding year. 

With the establishment/functioning of these new Medical Colleges in the State, the health care facilities will drastically come at par with the norms and guideline Medical Council of India (MCI) as well as intake capacity for Medical (MBBS)/Paramedical courses will also increase.