Centre clears scheme to add medical seats across country, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• The Union Cabinet approved Phase 3 of a centrally sponsored scheme to add 5,000 postgraduate and 5,023 undergraduate medical seats by 2028-29.
• Existing medical colleges and hospitals will be upgraded at a cost of ₹1.5 crore per seat.
• The total financial outlay for the scheme is ₹15,034.5 crore from 2025-26 to 2028-29, with the Central share being ₹10,303.20 crore.
• India currently has 808 medical colleges with 1,23,700 MBBS seats.

Detailed Insights:

• The scheme aims to address regional disparities in healthcare access and affordability by increasing the availability of specialist doctors.
• Over the past decade, 69,352 MBBS seats have been added, marking a 127% growth, and 43,041 postgraduate seats have been added, a 143% increase.
• The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana includes 22 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, which contribute to building a pool of highly competent health professionals.
• The New Medical Institution (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations 2025 adopt a competency-based approach to faculty eligibility and recruitment to meet academic and professional standards.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: A scheme funded by both the Union and State governments, with a defined share for each.
• MBBS: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, the primary medical degree in India.
• Postgraduate Institute: A medical institution that offers advanced degrees and specializations after MBBS.