Shillong, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : The Tura Medical College in Meghalaya is facing significant challenges in fully operationalizing its programs due to a severe lack of teaching faculty. As a result, the college can only admit 50 MBBS students each year, despite having received approval for 150 seats.
This issue was highlighted during a review meeting on October 7, led by Joram Beda, the Commissioner and Secretary of the state’s Health and Family Welfare Department. Officials assessed the ongoing recruitment issues and the progress of construction at the college.
According to reports, the institution has struggled to meet the faculty requirements set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for enrolling students in all approved seats. Out of the necessary 97 faculty positions, staffing levels are alarmingly low, with only 86% of professors, 85% of associate professors, 52% of senior residents, and a mere 36% of assistant professors filled.
The department has issued three advertisements for recruitment. Additionally, discussions over the past five months have included the potential deployment of doctors working in the Garo Hills to fill the gaps.
Doctors currently serving in primary health centers, health and wellness centers, and hospitals have been identified for possible reassignment, particularly those working outside of West Garo Hills. However, officials stressed that relocating staff should not disrupt health services in other districts. The state government has acknowledged that merely hiring new staff will not suffice to meet NMC regulations, especially given the shortage of senior faculty.
This delay has raised concerns about the availability of medical education opportunities for students in the state. Meanwhile, overall project completion stands at 84%. The construction of the 80-bed and 150-bed hospital blocks at Tura Civil Hospital is 55% and 25% complete, respectively.
The 80-bed block is expected to be finished by December 31, while the larger block has a target completion date of June 30, 2027. The academic block in Doldegre is projected to be completed by March 31, 2027.
The state government reiterated that students enrolling in the college will pay the same annual fee as those at Shillong Medical College under the state quota, which amounts to ₹33,000. Officials emphasized that addressing the staffing shortages and completing infrastructure work are top priorities, ensuring the institute can provide the benefits it was established to offer to aspiring medical students and local residents.
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