MBBS seats rise to 1.29 lakh, PG seats nearly triple to 86,360 between 2023-24 and 2025-26
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply about the significant increase in MBBS and postgraduate medical seats in India between academic years 2023-24 and 2025-26. This expansion aims to address the doctor-to-population ratio, which has improved to 1:778.
Background
India has been facing a shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas. The National Medical Commission (NMC) oversees medical education and seat allocation. The government has been taking steps to increase medical seats to improve healthcare access.
Key facts
MBBS seats increased from 1,09,115 in 2023-24 to 1,28,976 in 2025-26 (approx. 18% increase).
Postgraduate (PG) seats increased from 31,185 in 2023-24 to 86,360 in 2025-26 (nearly threefold).
Total registered allopathic doctors as per Indian Medical Register (IMR): 15,35,155.
Registered AYUSH practitioners: 7,51,768.
Assuming 80% availability of registered doctors, doctor-population ratio estimated at 1:778.
Information provided by NMC and IMR, cited in Lok Sabha reply by Health Minister.
Prelims pointers
- National Medical Commission (NMC) – regulates medical education.
- Indian Medical Register (IMR) – register of allopathic doctors.
- AYUSH – Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy.
- Doctor-population ratio: 1:778 (as per 80% availability assumption).
- Lok Sabha – lower house of Parliament.
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for healthcare sector – expansion of medical seats.
- GS2: Issues relating to development and management of health – doctor shortage and rural-urban disparity.
- GS3: Human resource development in health – role of NMC and AYUSH.