Andhra Government announces new MBBS seats at Piduguralla Medical College for 2026-27 session

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the commencement of MBBS admissions at the newly established Piduguralla Government Medical College starting from the 2026-27 academic year. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has sanctioned key proposals from the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare to enable this development.

According to official statements, the college will begin with 100 MBBS seats in the initial phase. This aligns with National Medical Commission (NMC) norms requiring a 420-bed teaching hospital for 100 annual admissions. The institution is being set up under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), with the Union Government allocating Rs 195 crore for construction and operational expenses.

Details of Infrastructure and Staffing

The Piduguralla Government Medical College, located in Palnadu district, originated from the upgradation of a six-bed Primary Health Centre into a 330-bed district hospital, now expanded to meet the 420-bed requirement. Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav confirmed that the Chief Minister has approved the recruitment of 237 doctors and other staff for the medical college, along with 600 personnel for the associated teaching hospital.

Key Highlights of the Approval:

– Conducting Authority: Andhra Pradesh Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, in compliance with NMC guidelines.

– Program: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

– Academic Year: 2026-27 onwards.

– Initial Seats: 100 MBBS seats.

– Future Plans: Expansion of seat capacity subject to additional infrastructure development.

– Funding: Rs 195 crore from the Union Government under CSS.

The minister noted that while the previous administration had secured permission for only 100 seats, the current government is focusing on phased growth to ensure compliance and quality education.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Compliance with NMC Norms

The Piduguralla facility evolved from a six-bed Primary Health Centre, previously upgraded to a 330-bed district hospital under earlier administration. However, revised NMC guidelines necessitate a minimum 420-bed teaching hospital for supporting 100 MBBS seats annually. The Chief Minister has now sanctioned this further expansion to ensure full compliance.

Additionally, the project benefits from Rs 195 crore allocated by the Union Government under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for construction and related costs.

Staff Recruitment and Operational Readiness

As part of the approval, recruitment has been authorized for essential personnel:

– 237 doctors and supporting staff for the medical college.

– 600 personnel for the attached teaching hospital.

These measures aim to facilitate smooth academic and clinical operations from the upcoming session.

Context on Seat Allocation and Past Announcements

Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav highlighted differences in approach compared to the previous regime. While announcements were made for establishing 17 government medical colleges with 150 seats each, actual NMC approvals secured were limited. For instance, Piduguralla received permission for only 100 seats via a memo dated August 20, 2020, with similar restrictions at Paderu Medical College.

Under the updated NMC rules introduced in 2023, applications for 150 MBBS seats require a 620-bed hospital infrastructure in place. Consequently, Piduguralla will commence with 100 seats, with phased expansion planned upon completion of additional facilities.

Written by Abhijeet Chatterjee

Abhijeet Chatterjee is a professional Content and Copy specialist with over five years of experience in crafting compelling content around the Edtech domain. His portfolio includes notable work for companies such as PhysicsWallah, Roar Media, Jagran Josh, etc. Academically, Abhijeet holds a Master's in Mass Communication, where he was awarded a gold medal for his outstanding performance. He has also qualified for the UGC NET in Mass Communication, demonstrating his expertise and a deep understanding of the field. His academic foundation is built on a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Beyond his professional work, Abhijeet is an avid writer and a cinephile. His personal interests include scriptwriting, film criticism, and reading novels.

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