K’taka govt to order closure of para-medical colleges with poor infrastructure
Bangalore: In a move against substandard para-medical colleges, Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil has directed officials to withdraw affiliations and shut down institutions failing to meet infrastructure and teaching standards.
During a review meeting of the state para-medical board held at Vikasa Soudha on Thursday, officials reported alarming deficiencies in several private colleges. Instances included colleges operating in cramped spaces with inadequate facilities—one institution had just a single microscope for hundreds of students, while another functioned without proper lighting.
Minister Patil emphasised that many private institutions present a misleadingly rosy picture while seeking approval but fail to deliver quality education once permitted, despite charging hefty fees. Of the 566 para-medical colleges in the state 529 are privately run, admitting 22,256 students in the 2024-25 academic year. Private colleges charge Rs 20,000 annually for a three-year course, compared to Rs 8,500 for government institutions.
Inspections revealed that over ten colleges had illegally transferred students to other institutions without the para-medical board’s approval. Several institutions were also found to be failing in providing the necessary teaching and training for their enrolled courses.
“Close down such colleges without any consideration. We must send a strong message to these institutions,” the minister directed, while also ensuring that students affected by regulatory actions would be shifted to better institutions.
The para-medical stream in Karnataka offers various diploma courses, medical laboratory technology (DMLT), diploma in medical imaging technology (DMIT), diploma in health inspector(DHI), diploma in medical records technology (DMRT), diploma in operation theatre and anaesthesia technology (DOT and AT), diploma in dialysis technology (DDT), diploma in ophthalmic technology (DOT), diploma in dental mechanics (DDM) and diploma in dental hygiene (DDH).
Successful candidates from these programmes are eligible for roles in hospitals, medical and dental colleges, primary health centres, and clinical laboratories at the district and taluk levels.
This crackdown aims to safeguard the quality of para-medical education and ensure that students receive proper training for their future careers in the healthcare sector, the Minister stated.
Principal Secretary Mohammed Moshin, Director of medical education B.L. Sujatha Rathod and special officer of the Para-Medical Board Vijay Kumar briefed the minister during the meeting.
