Punjab gets new medical college

The newly established ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, has received approval from the National Medical Commission (NMC) to start the MBBS course with 50 seats from the current academic session.

The move comes soon after the increase of 50 MBBS seats at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot, a constituent of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS). With these additions, the number of MBBS seats in the state has reached an all-time high of 1,650.

Dr Rajeev Sood, BFUHS Vice-Chancellor, said the affiliation process for ESIC Medical College & Hospital had been initiated, and the development marked “a significant milestone for Punjab, as it will not only fulfil the aspirations of those wanting to become doctors but also help address the shortage of medical professionals in the coming years”.

The increase in the number of MBBS seats is expected to benefit Punjab domicile students who qualified NEET-UG, 2025, with at least 100 or more likely to shift from high-fee private medical colleges to government institutions under the BFUHS.