India Sees 40% Growth in Medical Colleges, 42% Rise in MBBS Seats Over 5 Years

MAHARASHTRA: In response to queries raised by MPs Bhumare Sandipanrao Asaram and Gyaneshwar Patil regarding the status of medical colleges and MBBS seats across India—specifically in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh—the Minister confirmed that the Government has actively expanded medical education infrastructure.

The number of medical colleges grew from 558 in 2020-21 to 780 at present. This includes 80 medical colleges in Maharashtra and 31 in Madhya Pradesh. Concurrently, MBBS seats rose from 83,275 to 1,18,190, with Maharashtra accounting for 11,846 seats and Madhya Pradesh for 5,200.

Smt. Patel emphasized that these developments are part of a broader effort to strengthen the healthcare system. She outlined several key measures the Government has implemented:

1. Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): The Government supported the addition of 4,977 MBBS seats across 83 colleges, 4,058 postgraduate seats in Phase-I (72 colleges), and 4,000 postgraduate seats in Phase-II (65 colleges).
2. Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): Under the “Upgradation of Government Medical Colleges by Construction of Super Specialty Blocks” initiative, 75 projects have been approved, with 71 already completed.
3. Establishment of New AIIMS: The Government approved 22 new AIIMS under the Central Sector Scheme. Undergraduate courses have commenced in 19 of these institutions.
4. Faculty Enhancement Measures: The Government has recognized DNB qualifications for teaching appointments to address faculty shortages.
5. Age Limit Enhancement: The permissible age for appointment, extension, or re-employment of teachers, deans, principals, and directors in medical colleges has been increased to 70 years.

These strategic initiatives aim to expand medical education and enhance the delivery of healthcare services across India.