Mumbai: The state cabinet approved the setting up of two private health science universities, Lata Mangeshkar University (earlier NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences) and Dr Balasaheb Vikhe Patil University (Dr Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s Medical College) in Ahilyanagar.Admissions to these two universities will be done through the state’s CET cell. However, details on the changes in fee structure are still awaited. These universities are not entitled for any financial assistance from the govt and its students cannot claim any scholarship.After the amendment in the Maharashtra Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2023 in the monsoon session of the legislature, the state govt received applications from two educational trusts. The Nagpur university will offer undergraduate, postgraduate and super-specialty courses in medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy and nursing. The institute has a well-equipped 1,138-bed hospital. The Ahilyanagar university will be offering undergraduate, postgraduate and super-specialty courses in medicine. It will also have access to an 830-bed hospital equipped with all necessary facilities.The proposals were scrutinised by a committee in line with the guidelines of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and based on its recommendations the cabinet approved them. An official said that the private university status will be effective only after the change in the act’s schedule.“Whatever fee has been decided should be clearly told and displayed to all students/parents for them to take a call. We have told them to adhere to the CET cell’s deadlines for this year’s admission,” said the official.
