Ranchi, Aug 25: The Jharkhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on Tuesday approved plans to increase MBBS seats and strengthen and upgrade two state-run medical colleges — Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH) in Dhanbad and MGM Medical College in Jamshedpur.
The Cabinet also approved the introduction of new postgraduate disciplines and an increase in PG seats at both institutions as part of the third phase of the Centre-sponsored scheme for strengthening medical colleges.
Under the scheme for the financial years 2026-27 to 2029-30, SNMMCH, Dhanbad, will undergo expansion aimed at increasing MBBS seats, introducing new postgraduate courses and enhancing the number of PG seats.
The Cabinet granted administrative approval for the project at an estimated cost of Rs 495.02 crore. It also approved the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed between the Government of India and the Jharkhand government in connection with the project.
A similar expansion and upgradation plan was approved for MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur, for the period 2026-27 to 2029-30. The project, to be implemented under the Centre-sponsored scheme as well as the state scheme, will focus on increasing MBBS seats, introducing new PG disciplines and enhancing PG seats.
The Cabinet approved administrative sanction of Rs 393.91 crore for the MGM Medical College project and also cleared the draft MoU between the Centre and the state government.
The expansion of the two medical colleges is expected to increase opportunities in medical education in Jharkhand, besides improving the availability of specialist doctors and strengthening healthcare services in the state.
The Cabinet decisions are part of the state government’s efforts to expand medical education infrastructure and enhance the capacity of government medical institutions.
