Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
n a significant boost to medical education and healthcare services in Uttarakhand, the state government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has successfully started two new medical colleges in just three years. After the inauguration of Almora Medical College in 2022, the Haridwar Medical College is now set to begin operations from the 2024-25 academic session, adding 100 MBBS seats in each college.
With the addition of 200 new seats between Almora and Haridwar, the total number of MBBS seats in Uttarakhand has risen to 625, providing more opportunities for aspiring medical students from the state to pursue their education at government rates. This expansion is part of the government’s initiative to enhance healthcare services while making medical education accessible to meritorious students.
Transforming Medical Education in Uttarakhand
Before the Dhami government came into power, only three medical colleges were operational in the state—Dehradun, Haldwani, and Srinagar. However, work on Almora and Haridwar medical colleges had already begun by then. Upon assuming office, Chief Minister Dhami prioritized the completion of these projects, aiming to improve healthcare infrastructure and increase MBBS seats for Uttarakhand’s youth.
The construction of Almora Medical College was completed first, allowing it to start operations in 2022. Following the same trajectory, the construction of Haridwar Medical College has now been finished, with the first batch of 100 MBBS students set to enroll from the 2024-25 session. The central government has approved these seats, and counseling for admissions will begin soon.
Expanding Opportunities for Meritorious Students
Speaking about the achievement, Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding medical education in the state. “While our government is expanding quality health services through the establishment of new medical colleges, it will also give meritorious students an opportunity to study medicine in their own state at affordable rates. Counseling for the first batch of Haridwar Medical College will start soon,” he stated.
The launch of these two medical colleges ensures that more students from Uttarakhand can pursue MBBS without having to go to other states, significantly reducing the financial burden on families.
Government Medical Colleges and MBBS Seats in Uttarakhand
- Dehradun Medical College: 150 seats
- Haldwani Medical College: 125 seats
- Srinagar Medical College: 150 seats
- Almora Medical College: 100 seats
- Haridwar Medical College: 100 seats
With a total of 625 MBBS seats now available, Uttarakhand is better positioned to cater to the healthcare needs of its growing population by producing more homegrown doctors.
Looking Ahead: Pithoragarh and Rudrapur Medical Colleges
The government is also focused on further expanding its healthcare infrastructure. Chief Minister Dhami assured that efforts are underway to complete the construction of Pithoragarh and Rudrapur medical colleges. Once operational, these colleges will further increase the number of MBBS seats in the state, offering even more opportunities for medical students and contributing to Uttarakhand’s healthcare sector.
As the state continues to develop its healthcare and education sectors, the addition of these medical colleges is seen as a crucial step in improving both access to medical education and the availability of quality healthcare professionals within Uttarakhand.
