Doctor-Population Ratio in India Surpasses WHO Standards, Says Health Minister J.P. Nadda
New Delhi: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda announced on Friday that India’s doctor-population ratio stands at 1:811, which is an improvement over the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 1:1000. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Nadda highlighted information from the National Medical Commission (NMC) that indicates there are currently 1,386,145 allopathic doctors registered across the country.
Nadda explained that considering an estimated 80% availability of these registered doctors, alongside approximately 614,000 AYUSH practitioners, the overall doctor-population ratio is favorable at 1:811.
He also noted the government’s efforts to enhance medical education in India, mentioning a significant increase in both the number of medical colleges and MBBS seats. Since 2014, the number of medical colleges has risen from 387 to 780, marking a remarkable 102% increase. Moreover, MBBS seats have increased by 130%, going from 51,348 to 118,137, while postgraduate (PG) seats have risen by 135%, from 31,185 to 73,157.
Nadda outlined various initiatives taken by the government to boost the number of medical professionals. He mentioned the Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at establishing new medical colleges by upgrading district and referral hospitals, resulting in 131 new colleges becoming operational out of 157 that were approved. This includes 23 medical colleges in Rajasthan.
Furthermore, under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which upgrades existing medical colleges with Super Specialty Blocks, 75 projects have been approved, with 69 already completed. Nadda also reported that 22 new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have been approved, with undergraduate courses already underway in 19 of them.
To address faculty shortages, the government has recognized the DNB qualification for teaching positions and extended the age limit for appointments, re-employment, and extensions for teachers and heads of medical institutions to 70 years.
These efforts showcase the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and strengthening the medical workforce in India.
