PA Sangma International Medical College to launch first academic session with white coat ceremony on November 8

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 6, 2024

The PA Sangma International Medical College (PIMC), a collaborative venture between the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) and the Meghalaya government, is set to commence its first academic session with a white coat ceremony on November 8, according to USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved an intake of 150 MBBS seats for the college.

As per the admission schedule, the last date for submitting the expression of interest is October 13, followed by the declaration of the first round of the merit list on October 14. Counselling for admissions will take place from October 14-16, with the second merit list being declared on October 20. An orientation program for new students is scheduled for October 24, leading up to the official start of the academic session.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Hoque highlighted the significant milestone achieved with the launch of PA Sangma International Medical College (PIMC), a joint initiative of USTM and the Meghalaya government.

Hoque expressed pride in the institution’s progress, stating, “This is a historic achievement for USTM and a crucial step in our journey to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector of the region and the nation. From now onwards, patients and students need not go outside the region for healthcare services.”

USTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. GD Sharma underscored the importance of this development, noting that the medical college’s inaugural intake of 150 students for the MBBS program represents a new chapter in USTM’s dedication to providing high-quality medical education.

PIMC Principal Prof. Dr. Biraj Kumar Das emphasized the college’s commitment to excellence in three key areas: quality medical education, advanced healthcare services, and a cutting-edge research facility. He added that the institution has recruited competent healthcare professionals from across the country to ensure the best possible training and services.

PIMC Medical Superintendent Dr. Rashna Dass Hazarika announced that the academic session would commence in the last week of October 2024. He also highlighted the attractive facilities being offered to MBBS students, aiming to draw aspiring doctors from across India to the new medical college.

Named in honour of the late PA Sangma, a visionary leader and former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the PIMC is set to become a premier institution for medical education in Northeast India. The college aims to develop skilled medical professionals through its competency-based curriculum, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address society’s healthcare needs.

Of the 150 MBBS seats available, 40 are reserved as state government seats. Out of these, 25 seats will follow the government’s fee structure, while the remaining 15 will be offered at half the university’s fee structure. PIMC also aims to provide affordable healthcare, offering a 50% concession for superspecialty services to patients from Meghalaya and free general treatment facilities.

Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, PIMC aims to attract talented students from across India and beyond. With its first batch of 150 students, the institution is poised to set new benchmarks in medical education and healthcare services. One of PIMC’s long-term objectives is to draw patients from ASEAN countries, positioning itself as a regional hub for healthcare in the near future.