The recruitment process to fill 666 out of the 1,600 vacant teaching posts in government medical colleges across the state has started through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), said sources from the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER).

"These posts include 428 lecturers, 167 associate professors and 71 professors for government medical colleges. Even as it does not cover all vacant posts yet, it is a major relief for government medical colleges currently managing with contractual teachers," said an official from the DMER while adding that this includes vacant posts in existing government medical colleges along with additions from the nine new ones which started in the state in this academic year.

In the current academic year, nine new government medical colleges have opened

across the state, adding 900 new student seats. This increase has also led to a rise in total vacant teaching positions.

Details of 666 posts have been sent to MPSC for recruitment which will include a thorough process.

"All new government medical colleges saw full admission in the first year itself. This proves the demand for government medical colleges among aspirants as it is a more affordable choice than learning medicine in private medical colleges. Deans of the new government medical colleges are currently given authority to appoint contractual teachers to meet needs," the official added. This initiative aims to improve teaching standards, ensure better training for future doctors, and strengthen the state's healthcare system. The recruitment drive will focus on filling vacancies across various specializations, addressing a long-pending issue in public medical institutions.