The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) has achieved a major milestone with the National Medical Commission (NMC), New Delhi, granting approval for 13 postgraduate (PG) medical seats across six disciplines. The development marks a new chapter in advancing medical education and specialist healthcare services in the Union Territory.
According to the official approval, the newly sanctioned seats include three in MD Microbiology, two in MD Biochemistry, three in MD Anaesthesiology, two in MS General Surgery, two in MS Anatomy, and one in MS Ophthalmology. This expansion of PG training opportunities is expected to enhance specialist manpower within the islands, reducing dependency on mainland institutions for advanced medical training.
Officials from ANIIMS termed this recognition as a “landmark achievement” that aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047—a government initiative aiming for equitable development across India, including remote and island territories. The approval also reflects the institution’s compliance with NMC’s stringent infrastructure, faculty, and facility requirements for postgraduate education.
The introduction of these PG courses is expected to strengthen core departments, improve patient care, and expand research capabilities at ANIIMS. The inclusion of disciplines such as Anaesthesiology and General Surgery will particularly help in building local specialist capacity critical for emergency and surgical services in the islands.
This development is being viewed as a crucial step towards self-reliance in healthcare for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With the availability of postgraduate training within the UT, young doctors from ANIIMS and other medical institutions will have an opportunity to pursue advanced studies without relocating to the mainland.
ANIIMS has reiterated its commitment to continue investing in faculty development, modern laboratories, and clinical infrastructure to sustain the NMC’s academic standards. The institute aims to emerge as a regional hub for advanced medical education and research catering to the specific healthcare challenges of island communities.
This NMC approval is part of ANIIMS’s larger roadmap to expand postgraduate and super-specialty courses in phases over the coming years, contributing to a stronger and more resilient healthcare system for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
