The Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of 10 new government BSc Nursing colleges and expansion of seats in existing nursing institutions. The decision, taken by the Medical Education Department under the directions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to increase the availability of trained nursing professionals across the state.
The expansion includes upgrading eight existing government General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) diploma colleges into BSc Nursing colleges and doubling the annual intake at five existing BSc Nursing colleges. The move is expected to strengthen nursing education infrastructure and address the growing demand for trained nurses in Maharashtra's healthcare sector.
10 New BSc Nursing Colleges in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra government has approved new government BSc Nursing colleges in Chandrapur, Sindhudurg, Yavatmal, Alibag in Raigad, Ratnagiri, Amravati, Dharashiv and Gadchiroli. Each new college will have an annual intake capacity of 100 students.
The government has also approved the conversion of eight GNM diploma nursing colleges into BSc Nursing colleges. These institutions are located at GT and St George's hospitals in Mumbai, as well as in Dhule, Solapur, Ambajogai, Akola, Nagpur and Sangli.
Each upgraded institution will offer 100 BSc Nursing seats. According to the government, Rs 7 crore will be provided to each of the eight upgraded colleges under a centrally sponsored scheme.
BSc Nursing Seats Doubled in Existing Colleges
Apart from establishing new colleges, the state government has approved an increase in the annual intake of five operational BSc Nursing colleges from 50 to 100 seats.
The colleges in Mumbai, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune and Nanded will receive the increased intake capacity. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Maharashtra, currently lists government BSc Nursing institutions offering 50 seats at several of these locations.
With the proposed expansion, more students will be able to pursue undergraduate nursing education through government institutions in the state.
Maharashtra Approves Rs 558.71 Crore for Nursing Education Expansion
The state government has approved a total expenditure of Rs 558.71 crore for the nursing education expansion programme. This includes funding for upgrading GNM colleges, increasing the intake capacity of existing BSc Nursing colleges and establishing new colleges.
Of the total amount, Rs 491.91 crore will be provided from the Maharashtra state budget, excluding the central government's contribution. The funds will be released in phases over four years. An annual expenditure of approximately Rs 12.58 crore has also been approved for the initiatives.
The Maharashtra Medical Education and Drugs Department has previously implemented schemes for upgrading government GNM training institutes and establishing government nursing colleges affiliated with medical colleges.
Over 2.17 Lakh Nurses Registered in Maharashtra
According to the state government, 2,17,640 nurses are currently registered in Maharashtra. The government has highlighted the need to expand the nursing workforce alongside healthcare infrastructure, medicines and medical equipment.
The state said the expansion of nursing education is intended to improve the availability of trained professionals in government and private healthcare institutions, with a particular focus on strengthening healthcare services in rural and remote areas.
