Maharashtra Approves $57 Million Medical College and Hospital in Gadchiroli

The Maharashtra government has granted administrative approval for the construction of a new government medical college and hospital in Gadchiroli at a total cost of ₹471.41 crore. This facility will accommodate 100 students and feature a 430-bed hospital, marking a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure for the region.

The Gadchiroli Government Medical College (GMC) will initially operate from the district civil hospital before moving to its dedicated campus over the next two to three years. This development mirrors the establishment of other new GMCs in the Vidarbha region. A site of 43 acres has been allocated adjacent to the Agriculture College on Chandrapur Road for the new medical complex, which is part of a broader initiative to enhance medical education in the area.

Project Overview and Financial Aspects

Established in 2024 and affiliated with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), the Gadchiroli GMC was one of five new medical colleges announced for Vidarbha last year. Initially estimated to cost ₹403.89 crore, the budget for the project was revised upward due to increased costs associated with its location in a difficult and tribal area affected by Naxalite activity.

The proposal received final approval during a high-powered committee meeting on May 29, 2025. Construction will be overseen by the public works department. The project will include essential facilities such as hostels, residential quarters, a guest house, a mortuary, a kitchen, and laundry blocks. Additionally, infrastructure for safety, including CCTV, firefighting systems, and an effective water supply and sewage treatment system, is planned.

Significance for Local Healthcare

Officials emphasize that the new medical college is set to significantly improve healthcare and education in Gadchiroli, recognized as one of Maharashtra’s most underdeveloped districts. Dr. Avinash Tekade, the dean of the GMC, stated that groundwork for the project, including the approval of building plans by the college council, is already underway.

“NOC for starting the construction has been sought,” Dr. Tekade explained. “Once the medical education and drugs department appoints a contractor through tendering, the work will commence.” The college has also applied for postgraduate courses, aiming for the academic year 2025-26.

Currently, students are gaining practical experience at the district hospital, with temporary arrangements made for classrooms, labs, and a library at the civil surgeon’s office. This initiative is expected to enhance the quality of medical education and patient care in Gadchiroli, ultimately benefiting the local population.

With the establishment of the Gadchiroli GMC, Maharashtra is taking a crucial step towards improving healthcare access in rural and underserved areas, setting a precedent for future developments in medical education across the state.