Karnataka gets 1,122 additional government medical seats: Minister Sharan Prakash Patil

The Union Health Ministry has approved a record expansion of medical seats for UG and PG courses in Karnataka.

BENGALURU: Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Saturday announced the allocation of additional 1,122 medical seats to the state, terming it a major boost and a golden opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals across the state. This development is expected to strengthen Karnataka’s already prominent position in medical education in India.Addressing a press conference at Vidhana Sodha, Patil, who holds the portfolio of medical education, said the newly sanctioned seats will benefit students from several districts including Koppal, Gadag, Chamarajnagar, Karwar, and Kaveri region. He added that the expansion would help improve access to medical education in both urban and rural parts of Karnataka, and fulfill the long-standing demand for more seats.The state will get a central government grant of Rs 495 crore for undergraduate medical education. In addition, Rs 541 crore will be allocated for postgraduate medical seats, taking the total financial assistance to Rs 1,090 crore. Patil said that this investment will significantly increase infrastructure, faculty strength and training facilities in medical colleges across the state.According to him, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare gave its final approval on May 15. He noted that allocation of more than 1,000 medical seats to a state is a record achievement and reflects Karnataka’s continued growth in the field of healthcare education.Patil added that Karnataka now offers ample opportunities for students who intend to pursue a career in medicine, and urged aspirants to make full use of the better availability of seats and better educational infrastructure.