Bhubaneswar, August 5: In a major boost to medical education and healthcare infrastructure, Odisha is set to add 200 MBBS seats for the academic year 2025–26 through the establishment of two new government medical colleges, officials said on Tuesday.

The proposed institutions—Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Medical College (PMPMC) in Talcher and Government Medical College (GMC) in Phulbani—will each offer 100 MBBS seats.

The state government has sought the Centre’s intervention for the issuance of Letters of Permission (LoPs) from the National Medical Commission (NMC) to begin admissions.

Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in New Delhi, urging swift approval to operationalize the colleges. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also attended the meeting, along with other senior state officials and MPs.

Both colleges have undergone physical inspections by the NMC—GMC Phulbani on May 28 and PMPMC Talcher on June 23. The state has already allocated substantial budgetary support to ensure the institutions meet NMC standards, including infrastructure, faculty, and hospital facilities.

Once approved, the number of government medical colleges in Odisha will rise from 14 to 16, and the total MBBS seats in government institutions will increase to 1,800. This expansion is expected to significantly improve access to medical education and healthcare services, especially regions like Kandhamal and Talcher.

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