Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) is gearing up to establish a medical college in Jhabua with plans to commence academic activities in the next three years. The university, which has long sought to launch a medical college, has now secured a crucial agreement the state government for the acquisition of 100 acres of land in Jhabua paving the way for the ambitious project to finally take shape.
“We are hopeful to get the land in Jhabua in a month or so. Our plan is to start the medical college with MBBS and BDS courses within the next three years. Later, we will start AYUSH courses also,” said DAVV vice chancellor Prof Rakesh Singhai.
The agreement with the local administration in Jhabua was finalized following a recent visit by the vice chancellor to the district. The development marks a significant milestone for the project which has faced numerous hurdles over the years. The vision for the medical college dates back 24 years but has been stalled due to various challenges, most financial constraints.
In 2001, the state government allotted 50 acres of land at Bada Bangarda in Indore to DAVV for its proposed medical college. However, the project remained non-start for 12 years with no construction taking place. In 2013, the district administration took back 25 acres of land citing the lack of progress on the project.
In 2021, the remaining 25 acres were also reclaimed by the district administration leaving the medical college dream of DAVV in jeopardy. Despite these setbacks, DAVV’s most ambitious project has been revived, thanks to a proactive push from the state government. About four months ago, the government reached out to DAVV seeking a detailed project report (DPR) for the establishment of the medical college. The government also expressed its commitment to allocate funds for the project providing the much-needed financial backing to get the venture off the ground.
The decision to relocate the project to Jhabua has injected new life into the long-pending medical college plan. The allocation of 100 acres of land in Jhabua will allow for the construction of modern facilities necessary to house medical, dental and AYUSH courses. This development is expected to not only provide much-needed healthcare facility to the region but also create opportunities for students in Madhya Pradesh to pursue careers in medicine and dentistry. “The new medical college will also play a major role in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in the tribal belt,” Singhai said.
