GMC Jammu becomes 1st institution in J&K to start MD Biochemistry course

Srinagar, June 07: Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has achieved a significant milestone by being allotted 16 more MD seats across various streams. Notably, GMC Jammu has become the first institution in Jammu and Kashmir to offer an MD course in Biochemistry, starting from the current academic session.

The Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) had invited applications from medical colleges nationwide for the initiation of new postgraduate courses and the enhancement of postgraduate seats for the academic year 2024-25. Under the leadership of Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal & Dean, GMC Jammu applied for the introduction of an MD Biochemistry course and an increase in MD seats in the Medicine and Pediatrics departments.

After a thorough evaluation of the applications submitted by GMC Jammu, the MARB of NMC approved the request, finding it complete and satisfactory. Consequently, GMC Jammu has been allotted 16 new MD seats: 4 seats in the Department of Biochemistry and 6 seats each in the Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine.

These new seats were officially allocated to GMC Jammu as per the NMC notification dated June 3, 2024. With the addition of 16 seats, the total number of postgraduate MD/MS seats in GMC Jammu has increased from 198 to 214.

Commenting on this achievement, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta credited the success to the Administrative Secretary of Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid, as well as the Heads of Departments: Dr. Rachna Sabharwal (Biochemistry), Dr. Fayaz Wani (Medicine), and Dr. Ghanshyam Saini (Pediatrics), reported Daily Excelsior.

Dr. Gupta expressed pride in being the first government institution in J&K to offer an MD course in Biochemistry, highlighting that no other government institution in the Union Territory currently offers this degree. He also emphasized that the addition of 16 seats means that 16 more doctors will be able to pursue specialization from this academic year.

The announcement of the increase in postgraduate seats has been well-received by aspiring post-graduate students. "We had our hopes pinned on the seat increase," said a medical student. "Now, many more candidates will be able to pursue post-graduation in these specialties," he added.