The Manipur government is considering a Rs 55 crore capital investment to address infrastructure, equipment and manpower gaps at Churachandpur Medical College following NMC observations.
Imphal, July 6: The Manipur government is considering a proposal to provide Rs 55 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme to strengthen infrastructure, equipment and manpower at Churachandpur Medical College (CMC), as the institution races against time to meet regulatory requirements laid down by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The proposal came up during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday to assess the progress of major healthcare programmes and review the operational status of Churachandpur Medical College.
The meeting was attended by Health Commissioner Sumant Singh, CMC Director Prof. Dr. Angam, the Director of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and other senior officials of the Health Department.
Apart from reviewing flagship health initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the Chief Minister's Health for All (CMHT) scheme and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), discussions centred on addressing the pressing infrastructure and staffing gaps at the state's newest medical college.
NMC identifies deficiencies
Established in 2022, Churachandpur Medical College currently admits 100 MBBS students annually and has enrolled around 400 students so far. The institution presently functions through campuses in both Churachandpur and Imphal.
During the meeting, officials reviewed concerns raised by the National Medical Commission regarding deficiencies in faculty strength, infrastructure, hospital facilities and essential medical equipment.
Reviewed the Health Department today with the Health Commissioner, the Directors of JNIMS and Churachandpur Medical College, focusing on the implementation of PM-JAY/CMHT, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and the developmental initiatives of CMC.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) July 6, 2026
Reviewed the progress… pic.twitter.com/hms99gxZIu
According to documents placed before the meeting, the NMC, through a communication dated June 25, 2026, granted only a conditional renewal of the college's 100 MBBS seats for the 2026–27 academic session.
The commission has directed the institution to rectify all identified shortcomings within 45 days, warning that failure to do so could invite regulatory action, including a reduction in student intake or suspension of admissions.
Officials also noted that an inspection conducted by the College Development Council of Manipur University on June 26 reiterated similar concerns. The university reportedly cautioned that unresolved deficiencies could affect students' eligibility to appear in university examinations scheduled to begin on July 23.
Rs 55 crore proposal for infrastructure and equipment
To address the shortcomings, CMC Director Prof. Dr. Angam presented a comprehensive development proposal seeking approximately Rs 54.56 crore, to be funded under the SASCI scheme.
A major component of the proposal focuses on strengthening civil infrastructure across both campuses.
The plan includes renovation of the Youth Hostel at Hiangtam Lamka, construction of an intern hostel at the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Singhat and development of a modern operation theatre complex with associated connectivity works.
The proposal also earmarks nearly Rs 9.8 crore for constructing a new Outpatient Department (OPD) block at the Imphal campus. Besides expanding patient services, the facility would include teaching rooms and an examination hall to support academic activities.
A significant share of the proposed funding—estimated at more than Rs 25 crore—has been allocated for procurement of advanced medical equipment. The list includes an MRI machine, a three-dimensional laparoscopy system, modular operation theatre components, surgical and orthopaedic equipment, anaesthesia workstations and other specialised medical devices.
Additional funds have also been proposed for hospital ward infrastructure, including patient beds, lockers and trolleys.
Acute shortage of faculty and staff
The review meeting also highlighted the college's shortage of teaching and non-teaching personnel.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the institution currently faces a deficit of 144 faculty members along with shortages in other functional positions required to meet NMC norms.
To bridge the gap, the college has proposed the creation and recruitment of Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors and Junior Residents.
The meeting also reviewed the pending recruitment of 118 non-teaching staff, a process that has remained incomplete since October 2022.
In addition, the government is examining a proposal to recruit 200 staff nurses to strengthen healthcare services at Churachandpur District Hospital.
Government assures support
During the meeting, Chief Minister Khemchand appreciated the efforts of the Health Department and the management of Churachandpur Medical College in working to address the deficiencies within a limited timeframe.
He assured that the state government would take necessary steps to ensure compliance with NMC requirements and facilitate the smooth functioning of the institution.
The government is also expected to expedite decisions on the creation of teaching and non-teaching posts through the Committee of Officers and the State Cabinet, while accelerating recruitment through open advertisements and other approved mechanisms.
With the NMC's deadline approaching, the proposed investment is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding the future of medical students and strengthening healthcare delivery in southern Manipur.
