Government Medical College, Bettiah, has a ray of hope to get the Medical Council of India (MCI) compliance report ready.

Seven pre-fabricated laboratories are being constructed at the college on a war footing at a cost of Rs 3.7 crore, ushering positive changes for the health hub which was last year mired into controversy after the MCI did not give permission to continue its 100-seat MBBS course because of infrastructure deficiencies.

The MCI team, after its visit in end-January, had sent a report in which it cited many infrastructure-related deficiencies apart from faculty crunch. The MCI's executive committee meeting would be held in this regard within a week. However, what people might not know that the college has put its best foot forward so far as solving the issues.

The construction work of the seven pre-fabricated laboratories is around 50 per cent complete, said college principal Rajiv Ranjan Prasad. "After completion of this work, students would not have any problem regarding their practical classes. At present, we are somehow conducting the practical classes of biochemistry, physiology and anatomy," said Prasad, adding that Delhi-based Shivam Constructions was executing the work of pre-fabricated laboratories.

About other achievements of the college, Prasad said: "Our first batch of MBBS students have done exceedingly well in their exams. In fact, the pass percentage of our students is more than other medical colleges. So, we hope that the MCI would not deny others an opportunity to study medicine because of this development. Despite various odds, the MCI would allow us to continue our MBBS course."

Sources said though the medical college has recently taken many steps to remove its deficiencies regarding its infrastructure but the college might have to face the MCI sword again because the faculty shortage of the college is still more than 50 per cent.