In a significant move to enhance healthcare education, the Andhra Pradesh government has officially decided to commence MBBS admissions at the Piduguralla Government Medical College starting from the 2026–27 academic year. The decision, approved by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, marks a pivotal step in expanding the state's medical infrastructure under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
Central Funds and Infrastructure Expansion
The project received a major boost with the Centre sanctioning and releasing ₹195 crore for its establishment. Following this, the Chief Minister approved the creation of necessary infrastructure and staff recruitment to facilitate 100 MBBS admissions in the first phase. A critical requirement for this intake, as per the National Medical Council (NMC) norms, is a teaching hospital with a minimum of 420 beds.
This approval necessitated a revision of earlier plans. The previous government had approved the upgradation of a six-bed Primary Health Centre (PHC) into a 330-bed district hospital. However, in light of the revised NMC requirements, CM Naidu has now cleared the proposal to expand the hospital's capacity to meet the mandatory 420-bed strength.
Massive Recruitment Drive for College and Hospital
To operationalize the new medical college and its associated teaching hospital, a substantial recruitment drive has been approved. The government plans to recruit 237 doctors and other requisite personnel specifically for the medical college. Additionally, approximately 600 staff members will be hired for the teaching hospital, ensuring it is fully functional to support medical education and patient care.
Clarification on Previous Government's Claims
During the announcement, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav addressed claims made by the previous administration. He alleged that the public was misled by assertions that the previous government had planned and initiated construction for 17 government medical colleges with 150 MBBS seats each, totaling 2,500 seats.
Yadav clarified the factual position by citing Memo No. 2980561 dated August 20, 2020, issued by the previous YSRCP government. This memo permitted only 100 MBBS admissions at Piduguralla Government Medical College. He similarly noted that the NMC had granted approval for only 100 MBBS seats at the Paderu Government Medical College as well.
Referring to the revised NMC norms notified in 2023, the Health Minister explained that securing approval for 150 MBBS seats now requires a teaching hospital with 620 beds to be ready at the time of application. Therefore, the Piduguralla Medical College will begin operations with 100 seats, and subsequent steps will be taken to obtain approval for additional seats in the future.
This development is expected to significantly boost medical education opportunities in the region and improve healthcare services in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district.
