CUTTACK: The Medical Council of India (MCI) has allowed the SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack to retain the 100 seats which were approved in 2013.
In a recent letter, the MCI has given the approval for renewal of admission of 5th batch of MBBS students with the increased intake capacity from the academic session of 2017-18.
Sources said the number of MBBS seats in SCBMCH was enhanced from 150 to 250 in 2013 and the college authorities had enrolled 250 students each in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. But last year, a four-member MCI team which had conducted a two-day inspection had recommended the Centre not to renew the sanction of additional 100 MBBS seats to the SCB which was done four years ago.
According to rule, MCI conducts inspection for five years after increase in number of seats to examine whether the hospital is equipped to handle the hiked seats. During inspection, the MCI team had pointed out some deficiencies including lack of infrastructures. It had also raised questions over experience of superintendent of the hospital.
After complying the deficiencies, authorities of SCBMCH had recently sent a letter to MCI about the compliance following which the latter given the renewal permission.