India Has 1.18 Lakh MBBS Seats, 13.86 Lakh Allopathic Doctors, Ratio at 1:811, says Health Minister

Union Health Minister, J.P. Nadda has said that Government has achieved 130% Growth in MBBS Seats, Exceeds WHO Doctor-Population Standards

India now boasts 13.86 lakh registered allopathic doctors, achieving a doctor-population ratio of 1:811—better than the WHO-recommended 1:1000. Government of India has informed the Parliament that, the nation’s capacity for medical education has surged significantly, with MBBS seats rising by 130% to 1.18 lakh since 2014, thanks to various initiatives like new medical colleges and AIIMS.

While replying to question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda said that factoring in 80% availability of registered allopathic doctors and an additional 6.14 lakh AYUSH practitioners, India’s healthcare capacity has significantly improved.

State Leaders: Maharashtra tops the list with 2,09,540 registered doctors, followed by Tamil Nadu (1,49,399) and Karnataka (1,41,155). Rajasthan accounts for 49,049 doctors.

Infrastructure Expansion

The government has achieved a 102% increase in the number of medical colleges, rising from 387 in 2014 to 780 in 2024. MBBS seats have grown by 130% during the same period, from 51,348 to 1,18,137, while postgraduate seats have increased by 135%, from 31,185 to 73,157.

Rajasthan Focus

To address healthcare gaps, Rajasthan has seen the establishment of 23 new medical colleges under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. These initiatives aim to boost the state’s doctor-population ratio, especially in rural districts.

As per a statement issued in the Lok Sabha by the Union Health Minister, the country has seen substantial growth in healthcare infrastructure. The number of medical colleges increased by 102%, from 387 in 2014 to 780 in 2024. Similarly, postgraduate seats witnessed a 135% jump, from 31,185 to 73,157.

The government attributes this success to schemes such as:

• Establishment of new medical colleges by upgrading district/referral hospitals.
• Strengthening existing state and central government medical colleges to increase MBBS and PG seats.
• Setting up of 22 new AIIMS, with undergraduate courses operational in 19.
• Recognition of DNB qualifications for faculty roles.

Additionally, 23 new medical colleges in Rajasthan highlight the state’s focus on improving healthcare education. The age limit for appointment or re-employment of medical college faculty has also been extended to 70 years to address the shortage of teaching staff.

State-Wise Number of Registered Allopathic Doctors (2024)

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