The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to set up a University of Health and Allied Sciences in the State with headquarters in Thrissur.
Government-aided and self-financing medical colleges in various systems of medicine in the State and nursing, pharmacy and para-medical institutions offering degree courses will be affiliated to the new University.
Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan told the media that the Cabinet had recommended to the Governor the issue of an Ordinance for establishment of the University.
Health Minister P.K. Sreemathi said that Schools of Studies in various disciplines with departments under them and constituent colleges would be set up under the University. Besides, all medical institutions currently affiliated to existing universities would be brought under it. Deemed universities and Central government institutions would not come under its purview.
The Minister said that the new university would handle admissions from 2010-11 and conduct of examinations and other academic matters for students joining that year. Besides being an affiliated university, it would emphasise research in public health. While different systems of medicine would not be mixed up, an atmosphere would be created for combined research and exchange of views.
The Governor, she said, will be the Chancellor of the University. The Health Minister will be the Pro-Chancellor. The University will also have higher posts of vice chancellor, pro-vice chancellor, registrar, dean, financial officer and controller of examinations. The University bodies will include Senate, Governing Council, Academic Council, Board of Examinations and Board of Studies.
