The national panel has not yet conducted an inspection of the new medical college in Mumbai.

There is uncertainty surrounding the state's plans to commence the new medical college this year, as the National Medical Commission (NMC) has not completed its inspection. Despite the state applying for permission last November and addressing all queries by April, the NMC has not finished the necessary online or offline inspection, which is a prerequisite for the college's approval to commence.

State officials remain hopeful that the inspection will occur this month. "With the academic year beginning in July, timely approval could still allow the college to start operations this year, though it may be close," said an official.

"We are hopeful the NMC will expedite things now that the Lok Sabha elections are over too," the official added.

The state fulfilled the requirements for starting a new medical college by consolidating the bed capacities of GT Hospital at Dhobi Talao and Cama & Albless Hospital at Fort, totaling 1,026 beds. Additionally, the signboard of GT Hospital has recently been changed to reflect its new status as a medical college.

In Mumbai, JJ Hospital has been the only state-run medical college, managing GT, Cama, and St. George hospitals. Other medical colleges, such as KEM, Sion, and Nair, are run by the BMC. The plan to establish a second state-run medical college after JJ Hospital has been in development since 2011 but has remained dormant for over a decade. It was revived last year.

Following the state's decision, the medical education department moved a proposal to the NMC last November to start with 100 MBBS seats. Initially, the college will offer MBBS degrees, with plans to eventually introduce postgraduate and specialized programs. The state has tentatively named the institute Government Medical College, Mumbai. Dr. Jeetendra Sankpal, dean of the proposed college, said the NMC requested some documents to be submitted in April and then a second set by the end of April.

"We have completed all the paperwork and are now waiting for the inspection. It could happen any time," he said. He added that authorities have conducted interviews to recruit faculty. However, due to the code of conduct, they haven't been able to issue appointment letters. As per the plans, the college will initially operate from Cama & Albless for the first two years, as the institute has more lecture rooms. The state plans to build a college building over the next few years.