Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has urged the central government to grant early recognition to the Sagar-based Government Medical College.

In a letter to Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chouhan said the state government has taken all necessary steps in accordance with the norms prescribed by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

"Preparations have been completed to give admissions to students in the first year of MBBS course in this college from this year," Chouhan said adding that shortcomings, if any, with regard to the fulfilment of MCI norms would be removed before the beginning of second year classes in the college.

He said the state government has taken a decision to set up a government medical college at Sagar in Bundelkhand region after a long span of 40 years.

The work on the construction of the college building began in August 2007 after completing land allotment and other formalities. The state government has allotted land measuring 33.88 acres for the establishment of this college.

Further, a total of 11.69 lakh square feet area would be constructed on this land. The first phase of construction was completed on August 31.

The state government is constantly making efforts to seek MCI's recognition for this medical college. The state's Medical Education Minister, Anoop Mishra also took up the issue with Azad.

A team of officials from the MCI has already inspected the site of the medical college at Sagar in June and July and 18 teachers have already been appointed in the college. Also, 77 percent employees at the subordinate level have been recruited. Arrangements have also been made for a laboratory and 342-bed hospital affiliated to the college. IANS