MBBS Seats Increased By 110% Across India Since 2014: Health Ministry
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, recently revealed some remarkable statistics regarding the growth of MBBS seats in the country. According to him, there has been a significant increase of 110 per cent in MBBS seats, rising from 51,348 in 2014 to an impressive 1,07,948 as of the latest count. Similarly, the number of postgraduate (PG) seats has seen a notable surge of 117 per cent, soaring from 31,185 in 2014 to 67,802.
These figures were disclosed in response to a query raised by M Badruddin Ajmal, a Lok Sabha representative for Dhubri, Assam. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that the government's efforts to enhance the number of medical colleges played a pivotal role in this development. The number of medical colleges has witnessed an increase of 82 per cent, escalating from 387 before 2014 to an impressive 704 at present.
One of the driving forces behind this growth has been the centrally-sponsored scheme (CSS) focused on establishing new medical colleges affiliated with existing district or referral hospitals. Over the last five years, this scheme has approved 101 medical colleges, including one in Assam. The CSS prioritizes underserved areas and aspirational districts that lack public or private medical colleges. The funding distribution between the central government and state governments follows a ratio of 60:40 for other states and 90:10 for northeastern and special category states.
In response to concerns about faculty shortages, the Minister announced the recognition of Diplomate of National Board (DNB) through the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for the appointment of faculty members. Moreover, the government has eased restrictions on the number of beds, faculty staff, and other essential facilities required for the establishment of medical institutions.
Furthermore, government colleges have also seen a substantial increase, from 253 in 2018-19 to 355 in 2022-23. This trend has been consistent since 2018, with steady growth over the years—279 in 2019–2020, 289 in 2020–2021, and 322 in 2021–2022. The rise in PG medical seats has been equally impressive, increasing by 117 per cent, reaching 67,802 from 31,185 in 2014.