Anantnag, Oct 17 (KNO): In a historic stride for medical education in south Kashmir, the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has achieved two remarkable milestones — the grant of 50 additional MBBS seats, raising the total intake to 150, and the approval of 18 postgraduate MD/MS seats by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The twin approvals mark a transformative moment for the institution and are expected to significantly boost both undergraduate and postgraduate medical training opportunities in the region.
Principal GMC Anantnag, Prof Dr Rukhsana Najeeb, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, for his "unwavering guidance and continuous support" in securing these approvals.
“This is a proud moment for the entire GMC Anantnag fraternity. The addition of 50 MBBS seats will provide more opportunities for aspiring students from South Kashmir and beyond, while the MD/MS recognition places our college among the leading institutions of the country,” Prof Najeeb, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said.
She said the approval process required rigorous compliance with NMC standards. “I personally visited the NMC office in New Delhi multiple times to present our case, respond to their observations, and ensure full adherence to their criteria. This success is the result of teamwork, persistence, and collective dedication,” she added.
Faculty members, residents, and staff hailed Prof Rukhsana’s "visionary" leadership and described the development as a “turning point” for the institution. They credited her proactive approach and tireless efforts for putting GMC Anantnag on the national map of medical excellence.
Under the new sanction, the college will offer 18 MD/MS seats in key specialities, including general medicine (4 seats), general surgery, paediatrics and anaesthesia (four seats each) and two seats for ENT (Otorhinolaryngology).
This expansion will not only enhance clinical and academic training for students but also strengthen tertiary-level healthcare services across South Kashmir by ensuring a consistent supply of specialists.
Prof Rukhsana extended her gratitude to the Minister for Health and Medical Education and the entire administrative team for their continued encouragement. She acknowledged the cooperation of faculty members, consultants, residents, support staff, and media fraternity whose collective contributions made the achievement possible.
Civil society representatives congratulated the GMC Anantnag administration, calling the twin approvals a “historic advancement” for south Kashmir. “This is not just an institutional success — it’s a victory for our youth, our patients, and our healthcare system. It will reduce the need for students to seek education outside J&K and improve patient care across the region,” said a senior citizen from Anantnag—(KNO)