Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 22 (IANS) The world's first training centre for British post-graduate diploma MRCP, which enables medical graduates to go for the coveted membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, has been set up at the Trivandrum Medical College by its alumni.

G. Vijayaraghavan, eminent cardiologist and president of the alumni, told reporters Monday night the centre now functioning in the college campus is a pilot project approved by Britain.

''If this is successful, then similar centres would be set up elsewhere by the British authorities. The training programme for the first batch of 50 doctors, who will be able to write the first part of the MRCP, has commenced," said Vijayaraghavan, adding that the next reunion of the alumni would be held on Jan 2.

The centre was formally opened early this month after British authorities gave it a green signal.

''This is the first step towards setting up of a 'Medsearch' centre, which is being visualized as a place for continuing medical education along with research. Medical professionals have to be constantly updated and this centre would help them in doing that,'' said S.Krishnakumar, an international advisor who holds an MRCP.

He added: ''The MRCP training centre would be a huge boost for the many aspiring medical professionals who wish to get the British diploma.''

Established 57 years ago, the Trivandrum Medical College has a glittering list of eminent doctors. The alumni is expecting to inaugurate its state-of-the-art Rs five crore (Rs.50 million) Medsearch centre in 2011.

Classes for the MRCP training are being conducted once a week by eminent doctors with visits by British experts.

Around 300 Kerala doctors hold MRCPs and the doctors were hopeful that the pilot training centre would soon become an examination centre for both the written and practical examination for the diploma programme.