Public Sector Undertaking:The Centre aims to establish at least one large hospital in each of the 761 districts, collaborating with Public Sector Undertaking(PSUs) and other government entities to enhance hospital capacity in conjunction with the private sector, making these facilities accessible to the general people.

At present, hospitals operated by PSU are situated within the premises of the organizations, with services primarily available to their employees and immediate family members.

however, there are instances where limited public access is permitted at outpatient counters and pharmacies, especially during emergencies.

Recently, the government approved the port sector entities, including Paradip Port, Chidambaranar Port Trust (previously known as Tuticorin Port), Visakhapatnam Port, and Mumbai Port, to broaden their hospital capacity.

 Paradip Port is set to create a 400-bed super-speciality hospital

Under a public-private partnership (PPP), Paradip Port plans to construct a 400-bed super-specialty hospital in Paradip, which may also include the development of a medical college.

Access to the hospital’s services will be available to not only the port employees and their families but also the general public for a fee.

 Mumbai Port Trust plans to expand its hospital from 241 beds to 600 beds

The Mumbai Port Trust is improving its current 241-bed hospital to a 600-bed facility with a budget of around ₹700 crore through a PPP model to improve services for about 45,000 port workers and their families, as well as the local community.

A senior official noted that in addition to public sector enterprises in the port sector, various other government-owned organizations like the railways are expected to improve their healthcare services by forming public-private partnerships to serve the public.

“The official noted that while some are actively engaged in the bidding process, others have successfully finalized contracts, and a few remain under evaluation.”

India requires an extra 2.4 million hospital beds to achieve the suggested ratio of 3 beds for every 1,000 individuals, which is driving the need for healthcare-related real estate, according to a report by Knight Frank.

Currently, India’s bed-to-population ratio stands at 1.3 per 1,000 individuals, encompassing both private and public hospitals.

The government aims to establish at least one major hospital in each of India’s 761 districts to enhance healthcare access in smaller towns.

 According to a government report from March 2022, nearly 80% of the required surgeons, physicians, gynecologists, and pediatricians were missing at community health centers in rural India.

CAG Audit Report finds Shortage of Doctors in Bihar and Operating Blood Banks without Licences

CAG Audit Report: A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revealed a severe shortfall in healthcare personnel and operational inefficiencies in Bihar’s primary and secondary healthcare facilities. According to the audit, 61% of posts (23,475) in primary healthcare centers and 56% (18,909) in secondary facilities remain unfilled, highlighting critical gaps in the state’s healthcare workforce.

The CAG’s performance audit report on the “Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services,” covering the period from 2016 to 2022, was presented in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The findings underscore alarming inadequacies in healthcare services across the state.

Deficit in Doctors and Paramedical Staff

The report states that, as of March 2022, Bihar required 1,24,919 doctors to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended standards for its population of 12.49 crore. However, only 58,144 allopathic doctors were available, a shortfall of 53% against WHO norms and 32% below the national average.

Vacancies extended across healthcare tiers, with 49% of sanctioned posts in tertiary care facilities and 82% in AYUSH healthcare centers also unfilled. The total workforce shortage across all healthcare levels stood at 35,317 posts, representing 60% of the approved strength.

Blood Banks Operating Without Valid Licenses

The audit highlighted regulatory lapses in blood banks, noting that licenses, typically valid for five years, were not renewed due to critical equipment shortages identified during inspections. Despite this, several blood banks continued operations without valid licenses, posing significant risks to public health.

Challenges in Drug Procurement and Management

The Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL), responsible for procuring medicines for state medical institutions, faced scrutiny over the quality and timeliness of drug supplies. Between 2016-17 and 2021-22, medicines supplied often had only 35% to 74% of their shelf life remaining. Furthermore, indigenous drugs constituted the majority of supplies with reduced shelf life, and in some cases, near-expiry drugs were not withdrawn from circulation.

Ambulance Services Lack Critical Equipment

Physical inspections of 25 ambulances revealed they lacked essential equipment, medicines, and consumables, with shortages ranging from 14% to 100%. This deficiency severely hampers the ambulances’ ability to provide timely and effective emergency care.

Karnataka Government to start first IVF Centre At the KMC Hubballi

BPL patients will be eligible for free IVF procedures at the IVF Clinic, which will be built and operated with corporate social responsibility funding. APL cardholders are eligible for a 30% rebate on treatment.

KMC Hubballi: The state government intends to establish Karnataka’s first government In-Vitro Fertility (IVF) Centre at the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute in Hubballi within three months due to rising infertility rates and the high expense of fertility treatments. Private clinic operations range in price from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.

BPL (Below Poverty Line) patients will be eligible for free IVF procedures at the IVF Clinic, which will be built and operated with corporate social responsibility funding. APL cardholders are eligible for a 30% rebate on treatment.

According to leading gynaecologist Dr. Kasturi Dominath, the surge in infertility can be attributed to a number of circumstances, including delayed pregnancy, changing lifestyles, and chemical pollutants in food. Despite being a costly procedure, IVF has an infertility rate of over 10%. “These procedures may be necessary for impoverished individuals to have children,” she said.

According to KMC-RI director Dr. S F Kammar, tenders for civil works and equipment have already been issued. The obstetrics and gynaecology department would oversee this clinic.

This is the first such facility in a government hospital in the state and funding companies are also arranging specialised training for the staff.

Additionally, the organisation has asked the government to provide free prescription medications for the treatment. Currently, medications are not covered by the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka program.

“In the outpatient area, we receive 10 to 15 instances of infertility each dayAbout 15% of these couples need IVF treatment. The cost of the injections is approximately Rs 50,000. An embryologist is needed, and we have reproductive endocrinologists in the college,” stated Dr.RamalingappaAntaratani, a professor in the KMC-RI department of obstetrics and gynaecology.

In its 2023–24 Budget, the state government had stated that it would establish IVF clinics at four government medical colleges.

According to BL Sujatha Rathod, head of the Medical Education Department, IVF centres have not yet been established at BMCRI, SABVMRI, or MMCRI in Bengaluru or Mysuru.

Check out the Maharashtra government’s MHT CET 2025 test schedule right now at cetcell.mahacet.org.

MHT CET 2025 test schedule: The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) 2025 exam dates have been officially announced by the Maharashtra State CET Cell. This year’s exams will begin on March 16, 2025, and will continue through April 24, 2025. The MHT CET is a crucial exam for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses in fields like engineering, pharmacy, education, and medical studies in the state of Maharashtra.

The exam schedule and other important details have been made available on the official website of the Maharashtra State CET Cell: cetcell.mahacet.org. Candidates planning to appear for MHT CET 2025 should take note of the important dates and ensure that they stay updated with any changes or additional information from the authorities.

MHT CET 2025 Exam Dates

The MHT CET 2025 exams will be conducted for various courses in multiple stages. Below is the tentative exam schedule for the MHT CET 2025 exams:

 MHT CET 2025 Exam for PCM and PCB Groups

The MHT CET for the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) group, which is essential for students applying for engineering courses, will be held between April 19 to April 27, 2025, excluding April 24. On the other hand, the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) group, required for students aspiring for pharmacy and medical courses, will take place between April 9 to April 17, 2025.

These exams will be conducted in online mode. Candidates must regularly check the official website for any further updates regarding exam centers and registration procedures.

Syllabus and Exam Pattern for MHT CET 2025

The MHT CET 2025 syllabus has also been released by the Maharashtra State CET Cell. The syllabus includes topics from Class 11 and Class 12, and some updates have been made to the content:

• Physics: New additions include topics like Vectors and Error Analysis.
• Chemistry: A new topic, Chemistry in Everyday Life, has been introduced.
• Mathematics: The syllabus now includes the topic of Conic Sections.
• Measures of Dispersion has been removed from the syllabus.

The exam pattern for MHT CET 2025 will follow a similar format as in previous years, with questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. The exam will be conducted in MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) format, with each question having four options. Candidates will need to answer within the stipulated time for each section.

MHT CET 2025 Application Form

The MHT CET 2025 application form is expected to be released in January 2025. Candidates wishing to appear for the exam must fill out the application form online through the official website of MHT CET. The application process will include filling in personal and academic details, uploading necessary documents, and payment of the application fee.

The MHT CET 2025 application form is expected to be released in January 2025.

Candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official website for the exact dates of registration and other important notifications.

NBEMS Exam Date Announcement: The examination timetable from the National Board of Examinations (NBE) has been released. the NEET MDS exam will take place on January 31, 2025, and the NEET SS 2024 exam is set for two days, March 29 and 30. Aspirants can access the schedule on the official website.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released the exam dates for several assessments, including the Masters of Dental Surgery (MDS) entrance exam, as well as DNB and SS exams, for 2025. Candidates can access the provisional schedule on the official website, nbe.edu.in. This schedule outlines the tentative dates for all exams, except for NEET PG.

Candidates may download the provisional schedule from the official website, nbe.edu.in. The schedule includes the tentative dates for all examinations, excluding NEET PG.

NBEMS has released the examination schedule, including dates for various competitive tests planned for the upcoming year, with the exception of NEET PG.

According to the board, the date for NEET PG 2025 will be announced at a later time.

These dates are provisional and could be altered in the future.

NBEMS stated, “Candidates are advised to verify the specific dates for the aforementioned examinations in the Information Bulletins or on the NBEMS website, as the dates provided are provisional and subject to approval and confirmation.”

It urged applicants to visit the official website, natboard.edu.in, for information bulletins, application forms, and additional information regarding these exams.

The dates for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE December 2024) and the NBEMS Diploma Final Theory Examination – December 2024 have already been disclosed.

The NEET MDS exam is planned for January 31, 2025, whereas the NEET SS 2024 will take place across two days, March 29 and 30.

As stated in the notification, the announcement regarding the NEET PG 2025 dates will be made in due course. Candidates can also find the schedule here:

 NEET SS, NEET MDS, DNB, and other exam dates

Upcoming SRMJEEE 2025 Exam pattern

SRM Institute of Science and Technology organizes joint engineering examinations every year in two phases. This exam is designed for candidates who want to take admission in B.Tech programs offered in various colleges under SRM Institute. SRMJEE 2025 notification will be released in November 2024.

Along with the official notification, the registration for SRMJEE exam will also start. Interested candidates who have cleared their 10+2 educational criteria before applying for SRMJEEE 2025. Admission offers will be made to candidates based on their All India status by SRMIST. SRMJEEE 2025 Admit Card will be released one week before the exam starts. Candidates can download from the official website using their login credentials. Candidates must complete their seat reservation process before publication.

SRMJEEE 2025 Exam Pattern

The SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) will conduct the SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam (SRMJEEE) in an online remote proctored format. The exam pattern for 2025 consists of five sections: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and Aptitude. All questions are based on the 10+2 level curriculum.

The SRMJEEE will feature a total of 125 questions, with the Mathematic section having the highest number at 40 questions. Physics and Chemistry will each contain 35 questions, while the English section will include 5 questions, and the Aptitude section will have 10 questions.

 There will be no negative marking, and each question is worth 1 mark. All questions will be multiple-choice. Since the exam is conducted in an online remote proctored mode, candidates can take it from their homes using their own laptops or computers. Before the exam, candidates must install the SRMJEEE Safe Exam Browser on their systems. This has been clear that

SRMJEEE will be conducted in two phases. The application form is out for both the phases on the official website. Interested students can visit srmist.edu.in.

 SRMJEEE 2025: Eligibility Criteria

• 
  To register for the exam, interested candidates for SRMJEEE 2025 must meet the following qualifying requirements:
• Applicants may apply if they are citizens or non-residents of India (NRI) and possess a PIO or OCI card that has been granted by the Indian government.
• On July 31, the year the board exam is held, the candidate must be 16 years and 6 months old.
• Candidates must have earned a minimum of 60% overall on their 10+2 high school diplomas. (with mathematics and physics required courses)

 SRMJEEE 2025 Slot Booking:  Registered candidates will be able to reserve the day and time of their choice for the SRMJEEE 2025 exam through SRMIST. The SRMJEEE slot booking window for 2025 will open when it is time to reserve the exam day and time. Using their individual SRMJEEE logins, registered candidates can reserve their preferred timeslots for the online proctored exam at srmist.edu.in. A week before to the exam, the SRMJEEE slot booking process opens for each phase independently. The contestant can download the SRMJEEE hall ticket after reserving a seat. The SRMJEEE exam typically has three seats available each day. Read on for all the information you need to book a spot for SRMJEEE 2024, including how to do so and other crucial instructions.

 SRMJEEE 2025: Admit Card

The admit card for SRMJEEE 2025 is now available on the official website, srmist.edu.in. Candidates will receive an email notification once it has been released. Here are the simple steps to download the SRMJEEE admit card:

Step 1: Go to the official website, srmist.edu.in.

Step 2: Click on the link for the admit card notification.

Step 3: Enter your credentials and click submit.

Step 4: Your admit card will appear on the screen.

Step 5: Download the admit card and be sure to print a hard copy.

 How to Download the SRMJEEE Answer Key 2025

The SRMJEEE answer key for 2025 will be available online on the official website. Follow these steps to download it:

• Go to the official website at srmist.edu.in.
• Click on the link for the SRMJEEE 2025 exam portal.
• Find and click on the link for the SRM answer key 2025.
• Download the SRMJEEE answer key from the website.
• Candidates can use this answer key to estimate their probable scores in the exam.

 SRMJEEE 2025: Results 

The results for SRMJEEE 2025 a merit list that ranks students according to their performance and the number of available seats. This merit list will determine which candidates are offered admission based on that will be published as scorecards, which candidates can easily download from the official website. After the scorecards are made available, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) will generate it scores. Following the announcement of admissions, the counselling process will commence shortly thereafter, guiding students through the next steps in securing their place.

  SRMJEEE Counselling 2025

The SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) will conduct the SRMJEEE 2025 counselling online at srmist.edu. Candidates seeking admission must participate in this counselling process, which is only open to those who have qualified in the SRMJEEE exam. The counselling process includes several steps: filling in preferences for courses, seat allotment, and fee payment. Seat allocation will depend on the choices made by candidates and their ranks in SRMJEEE 2025.

 The counselling is anticipated to occur in two phases. Aspirants must complete their registration for the SRM counselling within the specified timeframe. The dates for each counselling phase will be announced on the official website. After the counselling process concludes, the authorities may release the SRMJEEE cut-off
It is important to note that participating in the SRMJEEE 2025 counselling does not guarantee admission to the SRM Institute of Science and Technology. For detailed information on counselling dates, processes, and more, please refer to the complete article.

SRMJEEE 2025: Announcing the Exam Schedule for Engineering Aspirants

SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has officially announced the exam schedule for the SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam (SRMJEEE) for the academic year 2025.

This is a golden opportunity for aspiring engineers to secure admission to one of India’s most prestigious institutions, known for its advanced educational practices, cutting-edge research, and world-class infrastructure.

In an effort to provide flexibility and convenience for candidates, SRMIST has announced that the SRMJEEE exam will be conducted in three distinct phases.

This approach is designed to accommodate students from various academic backgrounds and regions, ensuring that they have the best chance of success. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the timeline for the SRMJEEE exam in 2025, along with important details that candidates must keep in mind.

Details for SRMJEEE 2025:

To make the exam process as accessible and secure as possible, SRMIST has introduced the Remote Protected Online Mode for SRMJEEE. In this mode, candidates can take the exam from the comfort of their homes using their desktop or laptop. This online format offers significant convenience, especially for students from distant regions who may find it difficult to travel to an exam center.

How to Apply for SRMJEEE 2025

The application process for SRMJEEE 2025 is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official SRMIST website to register and complete the application form. The process is simple and involves the following steps:

1. Registration: First, candidates need to create an account on the SRMIST portal.
2. Fill in the Application Form: Provide personal, academic, and contact details, and select the preferred phase for the exam.
3. Payment of Application Fee: The application fee can be paid online through various modes such as debit/credit cards or net banking.
4. Submit Documents: Upload the required documents, such as a passport-size photograph, signature, and proof of eligibility.
5. Confirmation: Once the application is submitted successfully, candidates will receive an acknowledgment email with their application details.

DNB Admission has been started, know more details about Counselling process 

Delhi: Regarding this year’s DNB admissions, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has published all the information related to the NEET PG counselling allotment process for All India Quota (AIQ), deemed universities, and central state quotas, in addition to MD, MS, and PG Diploma programs.
As per the information bulletin published on its official website by the MCC, individuals who have passed NEET PG 2024 can apply for DNB seats, and the MCC will not hold counselling for in-service candidates.

DNB Counseling Process

The MCC conducts the counseling for DNB courses, which are domicile-free and of All India character. The counseling will take place over four rounds:

1. Round 1
2. Round 2
3. Round 3
4. Stray Vacancy Round

These rounds will be conducted by the MCC of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW). Candidates who have qualified NEET PG conducted by National Board of Examinations (NBE) are eligible to participate in this counseling process.

In-service Seats and Non-MCC Counseling

It is important for candidates to note that the counseling for in-service seats under the DNB program is not conducted by the MCC of DGHS, MOHFW. Therefore, candidates seeking in-service seats should refer to the appropriate authority for guidance.

Admission Fee Payment

Once the seat allotment is made by the MCC of DGHS, the admission fee is collected by the NBE authorities. Candidates should direct any queries regarding the admission fee or payment process to NBE, as the MCC will not entertain any requests for refunds.

Reservation Policy for DNB Seats

1. Private DNB Colleges/Institutes:
   There is no reservation in private DNB colleges or institutes.
2. Government Institutes/Colleges:
   For government institutes/colleges that contribute seats to the DNB program under the Central Government, the following reservation policy will apply:
   • SC (Scheduled Castes): 15%
   • ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5%
   • OBC (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer): 27% (as per the Central OBC list)
   • EWS (Economically Weaker Section): 10% (as per Central Government norms)
   • PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5% Horizontal Reservation (as per NMC norms)

Eligibility for PwD Reservation

Candidates who wish to avail themselves of the 5% PwD reservation in PG seats at Government/Central medical institutions must obtain a Disability Certificate issued by designated disability centers (listed in Annexure-2). The certificate must be issued as per the 21 Benchmark Disabilities outlined under the RPWD Act 2016. Certificates from other hospitals or boards will not be accepted.

Eligibility Conditions for DNB Courses

• NEET PG Qualification: Candidates must have qualified the NEET PG exam conducted by the NBE to be eligible for counselling and admission to the DNB program.

Roster Application

The roster for Govt. DNB Institutes/Colleges will be applied by the MCC of DGHS, MOHFW as per the reservation norms outlined above.

Nepal Medical Council Announces New Licensing Process for Foreign Medical Graduates

Kathmandu, Nepal – On 10 November 2024, the Nepal Medical Council (NMC) issued a crucial notice regarding the licensing process for foreign medical graduates. The announcement has garnered attention from international students pursuing medical education in Nepal, as it outlines significant updates to the licensing procedures for foreign nationals seeking to practice medicine in the country.

Key Highlights of the Notice

The notice issued by the Nepal Medical Council confirms that foreign students who have completed undergraduate medical degrees such as MBBS, BDS, or equivalent courses will be eligible to apply for a medical license in Nepal. These degrees must meet the following requirements:

• The degree must have a minimum academic duration of 5.5 years, which includes a compulsory one-year internship.
• All medical programs in Nepal, including those for foreign students, are taught in English, which serves as the primary medium of instruction in the country’s medical colleges.

Provisional Registration During Internship

In an important development, it has been confirmed that provisional registration will continue to be provided to all MBBS/BDS students, including international students, during their internship period. According to the NMC internship guidelines, these students must complete their internship in teaching hospitals that are affiliated with their respective medical colleges.

The provisional registration granted to foreign students will be equivalent to that of Nepali students, ensuring that international students can practice medicine under the same conditions as their local counterparts during their internship year.

Licensing Examination for Foreign Graduates

After completing their internship, foreign graduates will be eligible to take the licensing examinations as per the regulations set by the Nepal Medical Council. These exams are designed to assess the knowledge and competency of medical graduates before they are granted the legal authority to practice in Nepal.

Upon successfully passing the licensing examinations, foreign nationals will be granted a medical license that is equivalent to that of Nepali citizens. This represents a significant step in ensuring that foreign graduates are given equal opportunities to practice medicine in Nepal, without being subject to discriminatory procedures.

No Requirement for Good Standing Certificates

One of the most notable aspects of the notice is the waiver of the requirement for good standing certificates from the graduates’ home country medical councils. This procedure, which is often a hurdle for foreign graduates wishing to practice medicine abroad, will not be necessary for students wishing to obtain a medical license in Nepal. This change is expected to streamline the process for foreign graduates, eliminating an often complex and time-consuming step in obtaining licensure.

What This Means for Foreign Students

This announcement has the potential to significantly impact the prospects of foreign medical students who have graduated or are planning to graduate from medical colleges in Nepal. The updated policy ensures that international students will face fewer barriers in obtaining the necessary licensure to practice medicine in Nepal, making the country a more attractive destination for foreign medical students.

The Nepal Medical Council has outlined that the licensing process for foreign graduates will be handled with the same procedures and regulations as those for Nepali nationals, ensuring equality in opportunities for all graduates. The move is likely to encourage more international students to consider Nepal for their medical education, confident in the knowledge that their degrees will be recognized and that they will have the opportunity to practice medicine upon graduation.