The State government has obtained clearance from Medical Council of India to open medical colleges in Shimoga, Raichur and Bidar from the current academic year.

Medical Education Minister Dr V S Acharya, speaking at the Legislative Council on Tuesday, said MCI has in principle given nod for new colleges and approval orders are expected in two days.

New colleges have been allotted intake of 100 seats each and they will start functioning from the present academic year. MCI has also given approval for other three medical colleges started in Mandya, Hassan and Belgaum for the second year.

KIMS transfer
Congress leader H K Patil and JD(U) leader Basavaraj Bommai raised the issue of 22 teaching staff being transferred from KIMS in Hubli and demanded that transfer orders should be withdrawn as it would affect the students.

Step  detrimental
Mr Patil said that the State government has taken a step detrimental to the interest of students of KIMS as well people of North Karnataka region who rely on medical services at the hospital.

Transferring a chunk of the teaching staff would invite MCI’s wrath and the college may have to face cut in its intake.

Referring to a letter written by KIMS director, Mr Patil said that transfer of 22 teaching staff would result in 25 per cent less strength against the MCI norms.

Mr Bommai said “MCI can inspect the college at any point of time without prior information. If it inspects now, KIMS may lose approval.

Moreover professors who have been transferred had already assured a set of students that they would guide their research projects. Who should guide those students now?”

In his reply Dr Acharya said teaching staff has been transferred temporarily. “There is no need to worry as all of them will return to their original places after September 30. 

As per the MCI norms each department should have at least one professor. 

The government has transferred professors from departments where there were more than one to new colleges to fulfil the norms”, he said.