Raigad is set to host the landmark institution which includes a 100-bed hospital; admissions to begin in 2025
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Maharashtra is set to open its first government Unani Medical College in Mahsala, Raigad district, marking a significant milestone for Unani medicine and Urdu medium students in the state. The college will officially commence operations in July 2025, as per a notification issued by the state’s Medical Education Department on December 26.
The institution, which includes a 100-bed hospital, will begin by utilising the existing government hospital facilities in Mahsala until the dedicated campus and infrastructure are completed. The project has been championed by State Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare and supported financially by MP Sunil Tatkare, who allocated funds in last year’s budget for land acquisition and construction.
The new Unani Medical College will offer a total of 100 seats, with admissions conducted based on National Eligibility Test (NET) scores. This addition comes as a boon for students seeking affordable and quality education in Unani medicine, particularly those from minority communities.
Dinesh Waghmare, Secretary of the State Medical Education Department, highlighted the pressing need for this college: “There are currently seven BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery) colleges in Maharashtra, of which three are government-aided. Together, they offer only 420 seats, and none is a fully government-run institution. The establishment of this college fills a crucial gap in public health education in the state.”
Waghmare also noted that it will take three to four years to complete the construction of the new buildings and facilities. In the meantime, immediate arrangements are being made at the government hospital in Mahsala to ensure that the college can start as planned in 2025. The college and hospital are being developed in line with medical board guidelines to meet the required standards.
The announcement has been met with widespread appreciation, particularly among minority communities. Leaders including Dr Mushtaq Maqadam, Nasir Mathagray, and Riaz Ghar Aade held a special meeting with MP Sunil Tatkare to express their gratitude.
Maulana Azad Finance Corporation Chairman Mushtaq Antola lauded the initiative. “Sunil Tatkare has kept his word. This project is a historic step for the minorities of the area, who have long awaited a government institution dedicated to Unani medicine. It is a moment of pride and gratitude,” he said.
This new institution not only promises to bolster medical education but also aims to strengthen the healthcare system in the region. By integrating a Unani hospital with the college, the project ensures practical training opportunities for students while addressing the healthcare needs of local communities.
As the state gears up to welcome this transformative addition, it paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse medical education system in Maharashtra.
