The landscape of medical education in India has undergone a significant transformation since 2014, with the number of medical colleges nearly doubling from 387 to 731. This substantial increase in educational institutions has corresponded with a dramatic rise in the availability of medical seats, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare education and access.
As of 2024, the total number of medical colleges in India stands at 731, a notable leap from 387 in 2014. This expansion A considerable increase in the number of medical seats available for students has accompanied this expansion medical seats have surged from 51,348 to over 1 lakh, representing a remarkable 118 percent increase over the past decade. Similarly, postgraduate medical seats have experienced a 133 percent rise, highlighting the government's efforts to address the growing demand for medical professionals.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized these achievements during a parliamentary discussion on the demands for grants under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the fiscal year 2024-25. He detailed the progress made in the sector, showcasing the government's dedication to improving public health and expanding medical education infrastructure.
The increase in the number of medical colleges and seats is part of a broader strategy to enhance the healthcare system in India. Minister Nadda underscored that the enhancement of public health infrastructure is a top priority for the Narendra Modi government. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the health budget has seen a substantial increase, rising from Rs 33,278 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 90,958 crore in the current fiscal year. This boost in funding reflects the government's commitment to investing in the health and education sectors.
A key element of this investment has been the expansion of the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Historically, India had only one AIIMS before the first NDA government. During the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, six new AIIMS were established. In the last decade under Prime Minister Modi, 22 additional AIIMS have been approved. Of these, 18 are operational, and four are currently under construction. This expansion aims to provide high-quality medical education and healthcare services across various regions of the country.
In addition to the growth in medical colleges and AIIMS, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has been a significant component of the government's healthcare strategy. Launched to provide free treatment facilities up to Rs 5 lakh for more than 55 crore people across 12 crore families, the scheme has made a substantial impact on the accessibility and affordability of healthcare. The establishment of approximately 1.73 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs has further bolstered this initiative, offering free medicines and health-related services, including diagnostic tests.
One of the notable successes of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme is the reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. The scheme has helped lower this expenditure from 62 percent to 47.1 percent, easing the financial burden on families seeking medical care. By providing comprehensive health coverage and reducing costs, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has been instrumental in improving healthcare access for millions of Indians.
Overall, the dramatic increase in medical colleges and seats, combined with the expansion of AIIMS and the successful implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, underscores India's efforts to strengthen its healthcare system. These developments reflect a commitment to addressing the growing demand for medical professionals and enhancing healthcare access across the country. The significant investment in medical education and health infrastructure highlights the government's focus on improving public health and ensuring that quality medical care is available to a broader segment of the population.
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