Steps Taken to Strengthen Medical Education Infrastructure in the Country

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reports that the number of medical colleges has risen by 118.6%, from 387 before 2014 to 846 now, while MBBS seats have grown 172.4% (51,348 to 1,39,864) and PG seats 176.9% (31,185 to 86,360). To augment infrastructure, the Government approved a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for 157 new colleges, and CSS upgrades for existing colleges adding 4,977 MBBS seats (cost Rs 5,972.20 Cr) and 8,058 PG seats in two phases (cost Rs 1,498.43 Cr + Rs 4,478.25 Cr). Phase‑III CSS aims to add 5,000 PG and 5,023 MBBS seats by 2028‑29. Under PMSSY, 75 super‑specialty block projects were sanctioned, 71 completed. Additionally, 22 new AIIMS were approved, with undergraduate courses started in 19.