Government Eyes PG Route to Create 10,000 New Medical Seats
New Delhi: Following a significant increase in undergraduate (UG) medical seats to approximately 1.2 lakh, the government is now turning its attention to expanding postgraduate (PG) medical seats. Sources indicate that PG medical seats will be the focus in fulfilling the Budget announcement to add 10,000 medical seats over the next year.
Addressing the Demand for Specialist Doctors
This initiative aims to create more opportunities for MBBS graduates to pursue higher degrees, aligning with the rising demand for specialist doctors in the country. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, presented in Parliament just before the Union Budget on February 1, India is well-positioned to meet the WHO recommendation of one doctor per 1,000 population by 2030.
Current Doctor Availability in India
The report states that India currently has 13.86 lakh doctors, resulting in an availability ratio of 1:1263. The WHO standard of 1:1000 appears attainable by 2030, with a conservative estimate of 50,000 new doctors being licensed annually until then.
Growth in Medical Colleges and Seats
The increase in the number of available doctors has been facilitated by a sustained rise in medical colleges, from 499 in FY 2019 to 648 in 2023, with projections of 780 by FY 2025. During this period, MBBS seats have grown from 70,012 in 2019 to 1,18,137 in 2025, while PG seats have increased from 39,583 to 73,157.
Explore Medical Opportunities at Looffers.com
As the medical education landscape evolves, staying updated on the latest opportunities is crucial. For aspiring medical professionals, Looffers.com offers a range of resources and information to help navigate your career in healthcare. Explore our site for more insights and opportunities!
