Madhya Pradesh Government Rejects PPP Model for Medical Colleges Amid Controversy

Bhopal, September 24 (Daily Kiran) : The Madhya Pradesh government has made a decisive move regarding the management of its medical colleges. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla announced that institutions funded by the state will not be transferred to private entities under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the proposed management of the newly established Damoh Medical College and Hospital.

Shukla, who oversees the health and medical education department, emphasized that the operation and maintenance of these colleges will remain the responsibility of the government. He stated, “Medical colleges created or funded by the state will be managed by the state government. They will not be handed over for operation under the PPP model.”

This announcement follows internal resistance within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the potential privatization of the Damoh Medical College. Senior BJP leader and Damoh MLA Jayant Malaiya recently met with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, urging that the institution be managed by the government rather than a private organization.

According to Malaiya, the construction of Damoh Medical College is nearing completion, with an investment of approximately ₹350 crore already made. The project encompasses a 30-acre site, and tenders for equipment and furniture worth around ₹45-46 crore have also been finalized.

Malaiya questioned the need for private participation given the substantial public investment. He remarked, “Why should a college built with public funds become a center for private profit? Why should the people of Damoh bear the burden of high fees and expensive treatments?”

The Damoh Medical College is part of a broader initiative to enhance medical education and healthcare infrastructure in the state. The goal is to improve access to medical education and strengthen specialized healthcare services in Damoh and surrounding areas.

Malaiya raised concerns about how a PPP arrangement might affect the cost of education and treatment at government-funded institutions. He urged the Madhya Pradesh government to clarify whose interests are served by transferring a public institution into private hands.

This issue has gained importance as the Madhya Pradesh government continues to expand its network of medical colleges, particularly in districts where access to higher medical education and specialized health services is currently limited. With Shukla’s clear stance, it is now confirmed that medical colleges funded by the state will remain under government control, rejecting any proposals for privatization through the PPP model.