Lakhimpur Medical College disapproval worries CM Himanta

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Not happy with the prevailing state-of-affairs at Lakhimpur Medical College (LMC), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will soon visit the college to take stock of the ground situation there.

The Sentinel recently published a news item stating that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has refused to grant permission to the new Lakhimpur Medical College to start the MBBS course from this year citing various deficiencies in the institution.

Sources said the Chief Minister is disappointed with the NMC's disapproval and inquired with the Health Department what has gone wrong with the functioning of Lakhimpur Medical College. The Health Department has been directed to immediately rectify deficiencies pointed out by the NMC.

"The Chief Minister will soon personally visit Lakhimpur Medical College to take stock of the ground situation. He will discuss with Health Minister Keshab Mahanta, the Principal, doctors and other stakeholders of the college to ensure that it can start MBBS course from the current academic session (2021-22)," the source said.

The Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) of NMC recently reviewed the Commission Assessor's Report, review and remarks by the expert groups on the infrastructure facilities of Lakhimpur Medical College, laboratories, library, hostels, hospital and availability of faculties, their experience, publications and residents/tutors, nursing and paramedical staff with other facilities available at the college.

The MARB of NMC has observed that Lakhimpur Medical College has a 26% faculty deficiency. Even though the hospital at Lakhimpur Medical College is functioning, there is a deficiency of beds. Outdoor and indoor services have to be improved. The medical college is yet to acquire a certificate from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

The NMC has also observed that construction of all buildings and completion of other facilities such as teaching aid and furniture at the lecture hall at Lakhimpur Medical College are not yet complete.

The MARB of NMC has written to the Principal of Lakhimpur Medical College asking to rectify deficiencies and create more amenities suitable to start a medical college. If necessary rectifications get done and the right amenities made available, the NMC may reconsider its decision to start the MBBS course in the college from the academic year 2021-22.

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