BBMP proposes sixth Government Medical College for Bengaluru

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is progressing with plans to establish Bengaluru's sixth government medical college, a step aimed at strengthening the city’s healthcare and medical education infrastructure. Bengaluru currently has three state-run medical colleges and two under central government administration.

The BBMP’s clinic department, in collaboration with state medical education officials, is finalizing a detailed project report (DPR) for the initiative. Officials expect to submit the proposal to the government within a month, pending clearance from senior authorities.

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Initially, the BBMP planned to set up the medical college at its M.C. Layout hospital in Govindarajanagar, but a dispute over the site has caused delays. The project will move forward only after resolving this issue.

In the last state budget, the BBMP sought ₹500 crore for the college but did not receive funding. However, government instructions to submit the DPR have renewed hopes for allocation in the next budget.

The BBMP oversees six referral hospitals, 26 maternity hospitals, and 135 urban primary health centers in Bengaluru. These facilities, however, lack advanced treatment and emergency care capabilities. The proposed medical college would address these gaps while offering practical training for students, often limited in private colleges due to inadequate patient inflow.

Additionally, under the Brand Bengaluru scheme, the BBMP has proposed a ₹350 crore plan to modernize hospital infrastructure citywide, which also awaits government approval.

This dual strategy could significantly enhance healthcare access and quality in the city.