India has witnessed a significant expansion in medical education, with a 102% increase in medical colleges since 2014. This surge has led to a substantial increase in MBBS seats and improved the doctor-population ratio to 1:811, surpassing the WHO standard.
Key Highlights:
- Increased Medical Colleges: 387 medical colleges in 2014 have grown to 780 in 2024.
- MBBS Seat Surge: A 130% increase in MBBS seats, from 51,348 to 1,18,137.
- Improved Doctor-Population Ratio: Currently stands at 1:811, exceeding the WHO standard of 1:1000.
- Focus on Infrastructure: 131 out of 157 approved medical colleges are operational, and 19 of 22 new AIIMS institutions have commenced undergraduate courses.
- Addressing Faculty Shortage: Measures like recognizing DNB qualifications and extending faculty retirement age are being implemented.
This expansion in medical education signifies a crucial step towards strengthening India’s healthcare system and improving access to quality medical care for its citizens.