Jamia Millia Islamia’s 2013 dream of starting a medical college and hospital has moved closer to reality under the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Asif Mazhar, according to developments on the campus. The OT has learned from reliable sources that a talk with a New Delhi-based hospital has begun with Jamia seeking help and collaboration to make its long-awaited project a reality. If all goes well, Jamia could open its medical college and hospital as early as next year. However, a few major things still need to be worked out before that happens, said one alumnus.
It is also important to note that, as of the end of 2025, there is little to indicate that any groundwork figuratively or literally has been laid. Yet, these developments have rekindled hope among those disillusioned by past promises, as several former Vice Chancellors, according to sources, had floated the idea largely for media attention. The real test of turning this long-cherished vision into reality begins now.
On Monday, during the closing ceremony of the Talimi Mela at a packed Ansari Auditorium, Vice Chancellor Asif Mazhar hinted in front of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena that Jamia plans to open a medical college and hospital soon. Although he refrained from sharing a detailed blueprint publicly, sources confirmed to the OT that the university has initiated discussions with Holy Family Hospital.
Holy Family Hospital Director speaks
Holy Family Hospital Director Father George PA confirmed this development to the OT on Wednesday.
In an exclusive conversation with the portal, he confirmed that the Holy Family Hospital has been approached by Jamia Millia Islamia regarding a possible collaboration to help the university realise its long-pending dream of establishing a medical college and hospital.
ALSO READ: Why Niazi Nizami Brothers’ show was cut short on final day of Talimi Mela
“Jamia’s Vice Chancellor’s office has called us for initial discussions. It’s a very good initiative and a positive beginning,” he said. “Jamia has just completed 105 years, and Holy Family is about to complete 75 years. So, this is a good time for both institutions to come together in the spirit of service. There’s a shortage of doctors and medical personnel in Delhi, and if we collaborate, it will be a great opportunity to serve society,” the Father said.
ALSO READ: Jamia Cooperative Bank launches free ambulance service, Delhi Minister attends
He said: “Holy Family Hospital is expanding rapidly. Our hospital will soon have over 500 beds. We are constructing a new oncology block with all super-speciality departments, including a transplant programme, equipped with the latest technology. Most of our patients come from the Jamia area, so it’s natural for us to work together. Jamia is one of the best universities in the world, and we would be happy to collaborate.”
Under the proposed plan, Jamia will seek academic support while Holy Family will provide clinical backing. Discussions are ongoing, and both sides are optimistic, he said.
“Hopefully, this collaboration between Holy Family and Jamia will make a big impact on society,” the Father said.
When asked about the timeline, he said: “If everything goes well, it may take about a year. Jamia has already received approval for a medical college, and we already have the hospital. Once both sides and their governing boards finalise the collaboration, we can plan to begin by the next academic year.”
Jamia recently announced during its Foundation Day celebrations about starting its own hospital.
“Yes, Jamia will gradually develop its own hospital. Initially, we’ll support them, but later they’ll definitely open their own facility. The more hospitals we have, the better it is for the people,” he said.
PPP model collaboration
The collaboration is expected to begin as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, under which Jamia and Holy Family Hospital will work together to bridge healthcare and education needs in South Delhi.
Asif is not the first Vice Chancellor to talk about opening a medical college and hospital at Jamia Millia Islamia. The idea dates back to the tenure of Najeeb Jung, who was the first to announce the university’s plan to set up such an institution. After him, both Talat Ahmad and Najma Akhtar repeatedly raised the issue in meetings, but with little visible progress, many had begun to lose hope.
However, the recent statement by the Holy Family Hospital director confirming that initial steps have been taken has reignited optimism.
Jamia, which already runs a dental college and the 100-bed Ansari Health Centre, will need a fully functional 300-bed hospital to operate a medical college, as required under the Medical Council of India (MCI) norms.
“We already have lots of facilities required for first two years of medical teaching…we have Bio-Chemistry, Bio-physics and fundamental sciences besides Centre for Dentistry and Physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Till we have our own hospital we will try working out a partnership with our neighbours such as Holy Family and Escorts,” Jamia Vice Chancellor Talat Ahmad told PTI years ago.
Jamia’s ambitious bid of opening a medical college-cum- hospital suffered a setback after the Supreme Court in October 2014 disapproved of the haste shown by Delhi government in acquiring and transferring the disputed land in south Delhi to the university.
“We are waiting for the outcome of discussions between the Chief Ministers of Delhi and UP. Supreme Court had asked the governments of two states to come out with an amicable solution so Jamia as an institution gets benefited from the land which is locked within the varsity premises from both the sides. As soon as we sort out the problem we will start working out the details and approaching the hospitals with formal proposals,” Ahmad had said then.
The varsity will also explore the possibility of executing the project through Public-Private Partnership. “We are exploring funding options through government.. a few people from the private sector have also approached us…but I am waiting for the land issue to be sorted out first,” he added.
Unfulfilled dream for years
In 2023, then Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Najma Akhtar, made a major announcement that sparked hope and excitement within the university and among medical aspirants — the launch of a full-fledged medical college, with admissions expected to begin as early as 2024.
Nearly two years later, however, that promise remains unfulfilled, with no visible signs of construction or official updates on the project. Akhtar had also revealed that the university had earmarked five acres of land near Jasola for a proposed 150-bed hospital, but she retired before the plan could materialize.
In March 2023, the Education Ministry informed the Lok Sabha that it had received a letter of intent from Jamia regarding the establishment of a medical college.
In light of the latest developments, it will be interesting to see how things progress, as much will depend on the outcome of the ongoing discussions between the Jamia administration and Holy Family Hospital.
