Bhubaneswar, June 1: The proposed Rs 100 crore medical college at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar could start anytime, but for five more acres of land.

The hospital that currently owns 20 acre of land needs another five acre to fulfil the Medical Council of India (MCI) norms for a medical college set up. As per the MCI the qualifying a criterion for any medical college is to “own a suitable single plot of land measuring not less than 25 acres.”

“We have earmarked a few locations close by. However, the properties are already encroached and there are likely chances of protests by unauthorised occupants,” said the CMO of Capital Hospital, Loknath Acharya, refusing to reveal the exact location.

The five acres would be used for the purpose of constructing residential quarters for doctors, paramedical staff and a playground. “The negotiations are on and we are hopeful,” said the CMO.

Meanwhile, the location for the academic building has also been decided. “A seven-storied building would be constructed close to the paediatric and regional diagnostic centre,” said Acharya. This would house the major departments and staff chambers

However, the administration has realised the acute shortage of teaching faculties it might face after the college starts its postgraduate sessions.

“We understand that the existing number of faculty is far too low from the requirement. Therefore, we have already planned to rope in expert medical professors from outside the state.” he said.

Ever since the government decided to set up a medical college at a meeting presided over by the chief minister on April 8, the panel constituting senior bureaucrats led by director of medical education and technology S.C. Mohapatra has sat thrice discussing lacunas in the project.

“The decision was taken after the state decided that the hospital had the necessary infrastructure. But more doctors and paramedical staff are needed before the college opens and MCI team come for a review,” Mohapatra added.