New Delhi : The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a scheme on Wednesday to increase 5,000 PG seats and 5,023 MBBS seats. Notably, the total outlay for the project is Rs 15,034.50 crore, making it one of the largest healthcare education initiatives in the country.
Additionally, Phase III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) will strengthen and upgrade state and central government medical colleges, standalone PG institutes, and government hospitals.
Officials said the scheme will raise seats with an enhanced cost ceiling of Rs 1.50 crore per seat, thereby ensuring proper funding for infrastructure, laboratories, and faculty development.
“The total financial outlay of these two schemes is Rs 15,034.50 crore for 2025-26 to 2028-29. The central share is Rs 10,303.20 crore, and the state share is Rs 4,731.30 crore,” the Cabinet communique stated.
Moreover, the initiative follows PM Modi’s 2024 Independence Day announcement to create 75,000 new medical seats over five years. This effort aims to strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure and, at the same time, improve doctor-patient ratios nationwide.
Currently, India has 808 medical colleges, the highest in the world, with a total intake of 1,23,700 MBBS seats. Over the past decade, authorities added 69,352 MBBS seats, marking 127% growth. Similarly, they also introduced 43,041 PG seats, achieving 143% growth.
However, certain regions still need more capacity to meet healthcare demand and improve access and affordability.
The Cabinet emphasized that the scheme will boost undergraduate medical capacity, increase specialist doctors, and introduce new specialties in government institutions. Consequently, it will improve healthcare access, especially in underserved areas.
The project will promote balanced regional distribution of resources. Furthermore, it will use existing infrastructure cost-effectively. Students will gain more opportunities for medical education. The scheme aims to enhance training quality to global standards and, at the same time, increase the number of doctors to make India a prime destination for affordable healthcare.
The initiative will also create jobs for doctors, faculty, paramedical staff, researchers, administrators, and support staff. In addition, it will strengthen the health system, support socio-economic development, and ensure equitable healthcare infrastructure across all States and UTs, benefiting thousands of students and communities.
–IANS
