Thiruvananthapuram: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted approval for a total of 12 MD and DM seats across Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital and Alappuzha Medical College, significantly enhancing medical education and healthcare services in Kerala. This includes 8 PG specialty (MD) seats and 2 super-specialty (DM) seats.
Health Minister Veena George recently announced the new allocations, which are as follows:
- Thiruvananthapuram Medical College: Two seats for Paediatric Nephrology DM, two seats for Pulmonary Medicine DM, and six seats for Anaesthesia MD.
- Alappuzha Medical College: Two seats for Psychiatry MD.
The introduction of Paediatric Nephrology DM seats at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College makes it the first government medical college in the country to receive approval for this super-specialty. This is a major achievement as Thiruvananthapuram MCH is the only medical college in Kerala with a dedicated Paediatric Nephrology wing. The new seats are expected to significantly upgrade the pediatric nephrology services, including dialysis and kidney transplant treatments for children, addressing a critical shortage of specialists in this field.
Minister George highlighted that the introduction of these new courses would deepen research capabilities and improve the quality of treatment and teaching at government hospitals. With this approval, the total number of PG seats sanctioned since the current government came to power has risen to 92.
This move reflects the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare education and creating skilled specialists, especially in fields with significant demand, like pediatric nephrology. The health minister assured that the government is working swiftly to begin these courses and enhance the medical infrastructure in Kerala.