The Central government has approved a proposal from union health ministry on strengthening and upgradation of state government medical colleges for starting new Post Graduate disciplines and increasing PG seats by central funding during XI Plan period.

According to sources, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which met on February 18, approved the proposals for funding the state government medical colleges by way of a one-time grant of Rs 1350 crore under a new centrally sponsored scheme with funding pattern of 75 per cent by central government and 25 per cent by state government for starting new Post Graduate disciplines and increasing PG seats.

Release of funds under the scheme should be made conditional upon states committing to incur necessary recurring expenditure for maintaining the facilities created under the scheme after XI Plan period. Funds will be disbursed directly to the head of the institute in two instalments. The state government will undertake to refund the amount if the stipulated increase in PG seats/starting PG disciplines do not fructify within the prescribed period.

The proposal including quantum of funding will be decided by the empowered committee to be constituted under the chairmanship of Union health secretary.

The approval will result in an additional 5000 seats in PG courses in 148 state government medical colleges in pre and para clinical disciplines like anatomy, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology , bio-chemistry, forensic medicine, community medicine and certain clinical disciplines like obstretrics & gynaecology, paediatrics, anaesthesiology, general medicine and general surgery etc. It will also result in strengthening the existing public health delivery system.