Deshmukh demands another medical college for Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 8 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today demanded that the Central Government grant permission for setting up of one more medical college in the city by ignoring the pre-condition of having 25 acres of land.

Speaking at a foundation stone-laying ceremony of upgradation of Grant Medical College and J J Hospital here, Mr Deshmukh said the Central Government should give approval for setting up of another medical college by next June or July on the basis of built-up area.

He said the Medical Council of India (MCI) should change its rules for giving permission for setting up of a college.

Mr Deshmukh stressed the need for increasing the number of post- graduate seats in medical colleges.

He said under the Health Security Scheme of the Prime Minister, Rs 120 crore had been allotted to the Grant Medical College. Of that, Rs 20 crore would be the state's share. He also announced the allotment of Rs 150 crore for the Nagpur Medical College.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Health Anbumani Ramadoss said a decision on commencing urban social health mission would be taken within a month's time and added that there would be blood banks in all the four metros. For the blood bank in Mumbai, a fund of Rs 50 crore would be given.

The minister, speaking on the ban on smoking in public places, said this rule could be implemented if people cooperate with the government.

Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Maharashtra Health Minister Dilip Walse-Patil also spoke on the occasion.

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