Govt considers autonomy for BJMC, two medical colleges

Govt considers autonomy for BJMC, two medical colleges

Institutions Can Plan Courses And Update Their Curricula

Sarfaraz.Ahmed@timesofindia.com 2.10.2025

Nagpur : In a push towards academic autonomy in the medical sector, the state govt is considering granting deemed university status to three of its oldest medical colleges, namely JJ Hospital’s Grant Medical College in Mumbai, BJ Medical College in Pune, and Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur. This would be the first time govt-run medical colleges in the state are accorded autonomy, a privilege largely enjoyed by private medical institutions. The most notable autonomous medical college in the public sector is AIIMS New Delhi, though it is supported financially by the union govt.

The proposal, submitted by the three colleges to the Department of Medical Education and Research (DMER), has been placed before the state govt, and a decision could be taken by the year-end. When contacted, DMER Director Dr Ajay Chandanwale said the proposal is in its nascent stages. Autonomy would empower these institutes to design their own courses, update curricula, and strengthen research facilities. At present, govt medical colleges in Maharashtra fall under the purview of DMER, while the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik, conducts examinations and awards degrees.

With autonomy, these colleges would gain independence from both bodies, opening the door to quicker decision-making and academic innovation. Explaining the significance, GMCH Nagpur Dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye said, “Autonomy would enable us to run our own courses, hold examinations, and take decisions at the institute level. One of the biggest advantages would be financial freedom, as we would be able to access and utilise our own funds instead of waiting for approvals from DMER.” Officials believe autonomy will not only accelerate institutional development but also benefit students and patients. There could be more postgraduate seats, specialised research centres, and upgraded infrastructure. “The idea is for the state govt to initially support the three colleges financially and then let them come up with proposals or services to boost their revenues,” said a highly placed govt official. Meanwhile, GMCH Nagpur will soon offer heart and liver transplants at its super specialty hospital.

Dean Dr Gajbhiye said the facility now has modular operation theatres where kidney transplants have already started. “Preparations for heart and liver procedures are in the final stages,” he added. Heart and liver transplants cost over Rs 15–22 lakh in the private sector. “But they are now covered under the revised scheme,” said Dr Gajbhiye.