Government Expands Measures to Increase Doctor Availability Across India

India currently has 13.88 lakh registered allopathic doctors with State Medical Councils and the National Medical Commission, plus 65,534 postgraduate students graduating annually to boost specialist capacity nationwide. The Ministry of Health has launched multiple initiatives, including new medical colleges in underserved districts and increased MBBS/PG seats over the last decade.
Under centrally sponsored schemes, 157 new medical colleges attached to district hospitals received financial support, many now operational and admitting students. The Strengthening and Upgradation scheme created additional PG seats in critical specialties like anaesthesia, radiology, and general medicine, addressing regional shortages.
Relaxed norms for land, faculty, and infrastructure encourage medical colleges in backward, hilly, and aspirational districts. Expansion of AIIMS and AIIMS-like institutions, National Health Mission human resources, and rural service incentives further improve doctor-population ratios and equitable distribution.
These measures respond to Parliament queries on doctor shortages, demonstrating sustained investment in medical education infrastructure and workforce planning.