Major Boost: Government Greenlights 157 New Medical Colleges
Government Sanctions 157 New Medical Colleges; 108 Operational Already
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the country’s healthcare infrastructure, the government has given the green light to 157 new medical colleges. Out of these, 108 are already operational, marking a substantial stride in expanding medical education and services across the nation.
The phased implementation includes the launch of 58 government medical colleges in 20 states/UTs in the first phase, followed by 24 colleges in eight states in the second phase, and an additional 75 medical colleges in 18 states in the third phase.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, revealed this information in a written response in the Rajya Sabha today. She emphasized that these approvals fall under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing medical education accessibility.
Pawar highlighted the government’s efforts to augment both the number of medical colleges and MBBS seats. Data shared by the government indicates an impressive 82% increase in medical colleges, rising from 387 before 2014 to 706 presently. Moreover, there has been a commendable 112% surge in MBBS seats, escalating from 51,348 before 2014 to the current count of 1,08,848.
This development aligns with the October statement by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who asserted that the number of medical colleges in the country has doubled in the past nine years. Mandaviya also highlighted the creation of 1,70,000 Health and Wellness Centres and the ongoing establishment of a Critical Care unit in every district.
As the nation witnesses this substantial growth in medical infrastructure, it reflects a concerted effort to address healthcare needs and bolster medical education, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the populace.
