India opens 60 new medical colleges in one year: government

India has made a big improvement in healthcare by adding 60 new medical colleges in just one year. This is an increase of 8.07% in the total number of colleges. Union Health Minister JP Nadda shared this news on Friday while discussing the government’s achievements in its first 100 days. He mentioned that the total number of medical colleges in the country has gone up from 706 in the year 2023-24 to 766 in 2024-25.

The Union Health Minister highlighted how medical education in India has grown a lot in the past decade. The number of medical colleges has more than doubled, increasing from 387 in 2013-14 to 766 in 2024-25. This includes 423 government colleges and 343 private ones. This big increase shows the government’s dedication to improving the healthcare system by making medical education more accessible across the country.

There has been a 6.30% rise in MBBS seats for the 2024-25 academic year, with the number increasing from 1,08,940 in 2023-24 to 1,15,812. Over the last decade, the total number of MBBS seats has seen a 125% surge, growing from 51,348 in 2013-14 to the current 1,15,812. This growth is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for doctors in India, which will help improve healthcare services across the country.

Growth in postgraduate medical seats

In addition to undergraduate medical seats, postgraduate medical seats have also seen a significant rise. There has been a 5.92% increase in postgraduate (PG) medical seats, from 69,024 in 2023-24 to 73,111 in 2024-25. Over the past decade, PG seats have grown by 127%, from 31,185 in 2013-14 to the current 73,111. This increase will help train more specialized doctors, which is critical for enhancing the quality of healthcare in the country.

Progress on AIIMS Darbhanga

Union Health Minister Nadda also provided updates on the long-pending issue of land acquisition for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Darbhanga. The Bihar government has now handed over 150.13 acres of land on August 12, 2024, clearing the way for the construction of this important institution. The establishment of AIIMS Darbhanga, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on September 15, 2020, with a budget of Rs 1,264 crore, is expected to bring affordable and quality healthcare services to the region, reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses for patients.

The recent additions of medical colleges and the increase in both undergraduate and postgraduate seats reflect the government’s efforts to improve healthcare education and infrastructure. With the growth of medical institutions, India is better positioned to train more healthcare professionals and address the rising healthcare needs of its population. These developments, along with the progress on AIIMS Darbhanga, are crucial steps in improving access to medical care and ensuring the future readiness of India’s healthcare system.

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