The proposed set of rules and regulations will be applicable to both the existing and new medical colleges that would be set up in the state.
As per the existing rules, in order to set up a medical college, there should be at least 25 acres of land where the college building, hostel and hospital can be constructed. In the proposed rules, one can set up a medical college if they have 10 to 15 acres of land within a radius of 10 kilometres from the hospital.
"The proposed rules will not only benefit new medical colleges, but also the existing ones. In metros, now it is not possible to get 25 acres of lands together. So, the proposed rules will solve this problem," said H P Bhalodia, Dean of Faculty, Gujarat University. He added that it was likely to be announced within two weeks.
The new rules will make it optional for the medical colleges if they want to have an 800-seat auditorium. "As of now, it is compulsory to build an examination hall and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 800," he added.
The Director of Medical Education, Gujarat, Dr P B Vitlani said he was aware of the new set of rules and regulations uploaded on the MCI website, adding, "But I have not analysed them completely".
Manish Doshi, Congress spokesperson, Gujarat, said: "The new set of rules proposes to reduce the promotion period from five years to 2.5 years. This, along with the proposal of National Rural Health Program by the Centre, will help to reduce the lapse of medical grades in the state."