Taking medical education and academic infrastructure forward, a new educational facility at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The new facility marks an important addition to the academic infrastructure of Goa Medical College, creating enhanced learning spaces for students and supporting the institution’s growing educational requirements.
Creating expanded space for medical education, the project has been developed at a cost of approximately ₹40 crore, with a total built-up area of 5,482 sq. m. The facility comprises four lecture halls – three with a capacity of 300 students each and one with a capacity of 600 students – providing seating for 1,500 students. The development comes as Goa Medical College’s annual MBBS intake is set to increase from 200 to 250 seats from the academic year 2026-27, following approval for 50 additional MBBS seats by the National Medical Commission.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “I have been associated with Goa Medical College since 1991. The institution has earned the trust of people not only in Goa but also in neighboring Karwar and Sindhudurg.” Highlighting the importance of this trust, he said, “The trust placed by the people in GMC is a matter of pride for the Government. We must work in a manner that lives up to this trust.”He further stressed that providing modern and advanced technology is the Government’s responsibility and that there should be no compromise on healthcare facilities.
“There can be no compromise on healthcare facilities; modern and advanced technology must be made available,” said Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Driving healthcare towards greater accessibility and efficiency, CM Dr. Sawant called for the introduction of an online OPD facility along the lines of the online medical appointment system already available at GMC. He said this could reduce unnecessary visits by patients and help ease the workload on the hospital. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade district and sub-district hospitals to reduce the additional burden on GMC and strengthen treatment facilities closer to people.
Putting patient care at the heart of medical education, CM Dr. Sawant urged students to learn with dedication, experiment with confidence and serve with compassion. He emphasized that doctors are defined not only by knowledge and skills but also by empathy, integrity and commitment to society, stressing that patients and their relatives should receive good treatment and respectful care. He also appreciated the contribution of GSIDC, Goa Medical College, the Health Department, consultants, contractors, engineers, architects, officers and staff in completing the project.
The programme was attended by Health Minister, Shri Vishwajit P. Rane; Calangute MLA and Chairman, GSIDC, Shri Michael Lobo; Chief Secretary, Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS; Health Secretary, Shri Yetindra M. Maralkar, IAS; Dean, Goa Medical College, Prof. Dr. Jayaprakash Tiwari; Managing Director, GSIDC, Shri Rohit Kadam; Joint Secretary, Health & Finance, Shri Pranav Bhat; along with senior officials, doctors, faculty members and staff.
