Maharashtra Upgrades Eight GNM Colleges to BSc Nursing
The Maharashtra medical education department has approved the transformation of eight GNM colleges into BSc nursing colleges to address the increasing demand for healthcare professionals.
Eight GNM colleges will be upgraded to BSc nursing colleges, each with a capacity of 100 students.
Five existing BSc nursing colleges will double their intake from 50 to 100 students.
The total investment for these initiatives is ₹558.71 crore, aimed at enhancing nursing education in the state.
On October 9, the Maharashtra medical education department made a significant decision to enhance nursing education by upgrading eight government General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) diploma colleges into Bachelor of Science (BSc) nursing colleges. This initiative aims to double the intake capacity of five existing BSc nursing colleges and establish ten new government BSc nursing colleges, thereby addressing the growing need for trained nursing professionals in the healthcare sector.
The eight GNM colleges set for upgrade are located at GT Hospital and St George’s Hospital in Mumbai, as well as in Dhule, Solapur, Ambajogai, Akola, Nagpur, and Sangli. Each of these colleges will have an annual intake capacity of 100 students and will receive ₹7 crore under a centrally sponsored scheme. This strategic move follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving healthcare services.
In addition to the upgrades, the department has approved an increase in the intake capacity of five existing BSc nursing colleges in Mumbai, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune, and Nanded, raising their capacity from 50 to 100 students. Furthermore, ten new BSc nursing colleges will be established in various districts, including Chandrapur, Sindhudurg, Yavatmal, Alibag in Raigad district, Ratnagiri, Amravati, Dharashiv, and Gadchiroli, each also accommodating 100 students annually.
The total cost for these educational enhancements is estimated at ₹558.71 crore, with ₹491.91 crore allocated from the state budget, excluding contributions from the central government. This expenditure will be phased over four years, ensuring a structured approach to the expansion of nursing education in Maharashtra. Additionally, around ₹12.58 crore has been earmarked for the first year to support the upgrades and increase the intake capacity of existing institutions.
Currently, Maharashtra has approximately 2,17,640 registered nurses. The expansion of nursing education is expected to significantly boost the availability of trained nursing professionals, particularly in rural and remote areas, thereby strengthening the overall healthcare delivery system in the state and improving access to qualified nursing staff.
