0
0
New Delhi, August 15, 2024 – In a landmark announcement during his 78th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed plans to add 75,000 new medical seats in India over the next five years. This significant expansion aims to address the growing demand for medical education within the country and reduce the burden on students who are compelled to seek education abroad due to the limited availability of seats domestically.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the plight of middle-class families who often face financial strain when their children pursue medical education abroad. Despite the near doubling of medical seats over the past decade, many students still have to travel overseas for education, leading to substantial economic and emotional hardships for their families. “We must ensure that every aspiring doctor in India has the opportunity to study in their own country,” Modi asserted.
The Union Health Ministry has reported a remarkable increase in the availability of medical education seats over the past decade. From 2014 to 2024, the number of medical colleges in India surged by 88 percent, providing more opportunities for aspiring doctors. Furthermore, the number of MBBS seats has increased by 118 percent, while postgraduate (PG) medical seats have seen an impressive 133 percent rise during the same period.
This ambitious plan to create 75,000 additional medical seats reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector and ensuring that the country’s growing population has access to quality medical education. The expansion is expected to not only reduce the need for students to seek education abroad but also to bolster India’s healthcare workforce, which is crucial for addressing the nation’s evolving public health challenges.
The announcement comes at a time when India’s healthcare infrastructure is under the spotlight, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the critical need for a robust and well-trained medical workforce. By significantly increasing the number of medical seats, the government aims to ensure that India is better prepared to meet the healthcare needs of its population in the coming years.
As the nation celebrates its Independence Day, this move is seen as a step toward self-reliance in medical education and healthcare, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in medical innovation and service.
