SHILLONG, July 20: The state government is awaiting a no-objection certificate from the National Medical Council (NMC) to begin the 2025-26 academic session of the Shillong Medical College (SMC).
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that preparations are ongoing as scheduled and that the approval of 15 to 16 government doctors who have opted to serve as associate professors at the college is being processed.
“With this development, we are facing a shortfall of about 7% in meeting the NMC’s faculty requirement to launch the first MBBS batch,” she said, stressing that adequate faculty is a critical criterion for securing the NOC.
She said that Meghalaya is in a stronger position in terms of faculty availability compared to several other states that have operationalised their medical colleges.
The Health Minister also said that the government is finalising the official quarters for the associate professors who will serve at SMC.
The government recently constituted the 15-member Shillong Medical College Council, led by the college dean.
The council will serve as the primary academic authority, responsible for developing academic policies, implementing curriculum standards, and ensuring compliance with the NMC regulations.
In addition to academic oversight, the council will monitor teaching quality, clinical training, and research initiatives while facilitating faculty development. It will also provide recommendations on infrastructure, staffing, and academic support systems.
To ensure affordability in medical education, the government has formed a Fees Committee under the Health and Family Welfare Department.
Chaired by Commissioner and Secretary Joram Beda, the committee includes officials from various departments and a chartered accountant. It will scrutinise proposed tuition structures to prevent profiteering, with any approved fees remaining fixed for three years to ensure financial stability for the students.
Student welfare and campus safety have also been prioritised through the formation of several key committees. The Anti-Ragging Committee, led by the dean, will enforce anti-ragging measures and raise awareness. A Gender Harassment Committee, chaired by the head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, will address gender-based issues on campus.
The Pharmacovigilance Committee will oversee drug safety by monitoring adverse reactions and liaising with the national pharmacovigilance programme. It will also train staff and advise on formulary updates.
Finally, the Curriculum Committee, also headed by the dean, will ensure academic alignment with the NMC guidelines, focusing on Competency-Based Medical Education, medical ethics, and early clinical exposure.
