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The regulation regarding the cap on MBBS seats per population has been postponed until 2025 by India’s National Medical Commission (NMC). This delay follows a Health Ministry directive due to resistance from states already meeting or exceeding the specified MBBS seat to population ratio. Dr. Aruna Vanikar, President of NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board, announced the deferment of the clause enforcing 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population for one year.
As per the NMC notification, in response to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s letter dated November 1, 2023, the decision to reevaluate the provision of 100 MBBS seats for 10 lakh population has been made. The implementation of this clause under the “Guidelines for Under Graduate Courses under Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Starting of New Medical Courses, Increase of Seats for Existing Courses & Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023” will now commence from the academic year 2025-26.
Earlier guidelines issued by the Apex Medical Commission in September suggested a ratio of 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population after the academic year 2023-24, restricting the issuance of new medical college permissions to capacities of 50/100/150 seats, subject to adhering to the specified ratio.
The enforcement of this rule rendered several southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana ineligible to apply for new medical colleges or MBBS seats. While Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh opposed these rules outright, Kerala sought exemptions based on specific circumstances.
Amid opposition from states and stakeholders, including parts of the medical fraternity that supported the move, the NMC defended its decision. It cited court observations on overcrowded medical colleges and highlighted the potential addition of 40,000 MBBS seats in India due to this regulation.
The NMC’s stance received praise from various state branches of IMA, student associations, and the medical community at large. The Commission affirmed its commitment to enhancing the quality of medical education in the country.
