The Centre has granted in-principle approval for establishing a new medical college in Arunachal Pradesh under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The proposed institution is among 11 new medical colleges cleared by the Union Government—four in Jharkhand, six in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Arunachal Pradesh—Lok Sabha was informed during Question Hour on Tuesday.
Namsai district has been identified as the site for the new medical college.
The Centre’s PPP initiative aims to expand medical education in underserved and frontier regions while addressing the longstanding shortage of MBBS seats. Unlike earlier approaches that required large investments for developing standalone campuses, the new model calls for upgrading existing district hospitals. The government believes this strategy will accelerate the creation of medical education infrastructure, especially in remote border states like Arunachal Pradesh, where geographical challenges have slowed institutional development.
To make the projects financially viable, the Centre will provide Viability Gap Funding — up to 30% of the project cost, which states can match. During the pilot phase, support may rise to 40% of project cost along with 25% of operational and maintenance expenses for the first five years. In return, states must provide land at concessional rates and ensure that public health services at district hospitals remain unaffected.
Officials clarified that the PPP model will run in parallel with existing centrally sponsored schemes, giving states two pathways for expanding medical education.
The confirmation of Namsai’s selection has sparked widespread happiness across eastern Arunachal, especially among students who often struggle to pursue MBBS due to the absence of medical colleges in the region. Many parents from TCL, Lohit, Anjaw, and Namsai areas face financial stress when children migrate to mainland India for medical studies. The proposed Namsai Medical College is expected to alleviate this burden and open new opportunities for higher medical education in the frontier districts.
Beyond education, the medical college is expected to reshape Namsai’s economic landscape. It is likely to attract healthcare industries, diagnostic centres, medical equipment suppliers, pharmacies, hostels, hospitality services, research institutions and skilled workers. Already known for the Golden Pagoda and Buddhist tourism, Namsai is poised to evolve into a multi-dimensional hub combining healthcare, education, spirituality and services.
The region is expected to see increased movement of students, faculty, healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs, boosting tourism, rentals, hospitality and employment.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Health Minister Biyuram Wahge, and Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom have been widely appreciated for persuading the Prime Minister and Union Health Minister to select Namsai under the PPP model—considered one of the most significant policy achievements for Eastern Arunachal in decades.
Several community organisations, including the Tai Khamti Singpho Council, Singpho Development Society, Tai Khamti Development Society, All Tai Khamti Singpho Students’ Union, and Miao Singpho Ramma Hpung, hailed the approval as a historic milestone for the Singpho, Khamti and neighbouring communities.
