NTR Health University Unveils Reforms to Take AP Medical Education to Global Standards

Andhra Pradesh is undertaking a series of reforms to bring medical education in the state closer to international standards while creating a stronger ecosystem for research and innovation, NTR Health University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pulala Chandrasekhar said on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada, he outlined several initiatives aimed at modernising medical education and improving learning opportunities for students.

The university will soon introduce a Learning Management System (LMS) and AI-based teaching methods for medical students. The initiatives will initially be rolled out in government medical colleges before being extended to private institutions. Dr. Chandrasekhar said the university was giving greater importance to academics and research while also implementing a transparent examination system.

With India’s average life expectancy rising to around 72 years, the university is also focusing on the growing healthcare needs of the elderly. Steps are being taken to expand Geriatric Medicine and Family Medicine programmes. Emergency healthcare education is another priority, with 50 B.Sc. Emergency Medicine seats being introduced this academic year across 19 government medical colleges. The move is expected to strengthen emergency care while creating additional employment opportunities for young professionals.

University Registrar Dr. T. Sai Sudheer said candidates participating in the 2026–27 MBBS Convenor Quota counselling would have greater flexibility in choosing colleges. Of the 4,581 seats available in Phase 1, 4,321 were allotted, while 4,231 candidates reported to their respective colleges within the stipulated deadline. Ninety candidates failed to report.

The Phase 2 All India Quota counselling is underway from September 3 to 11, after which State Quota Phase 2 counselling is expected to begin. Candidates will be allowed to submit fresh web options at every counselling stage. Newly approved medical colleges and additional seats may also be included in subsequent rounds.

Students joining MBBS programmes this year will begin classes from September 15.

State government medical education adviser Dr. Lokesh Edara stressed the need to raise educational standards to global levels. He called for reducing the gap between MBBS and postgraduate seats, introducing modern LMS platforms and adopting 100% MCQ-based assessments. He also advocated international-level training for teaching faculty and greater investment in medical research.

Renowned anaesthesiologist and pain specialist Dr. K. Venkateswara Rao said meaningful breakthroughs in medicine would depend on closer integration of education and research, urging Indian professionals to leverage modern technology to develop innovations with global impact.