Approval of Phase-III for Medical Education Expansion
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned Phase-III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to enhance the capacity for postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) medical courses in India.
Key Objectives and Initiatives
- Strengthening and upgrading of existing State and Central government medical colleges, standalone postgraduate institutes, and government hospitals.
- Increase of 5,000 PG seats and 5,023 MBBS seats.
- Implementation with an enhanced cost ceiling of ₹1.50 crore per seat.
Financial Implications
- Total financial implications are ₹15,034.50 crore from 2025-26 to 2028-29.
- Central share: ₹10,303.20 crore.
- States’ share: ₹4,731.30 crore.
Current Status and Growth
- India hosts 808 medical colleges, the highest globally, with a total intake of 1,23,700 MBBS seats.
- In the past decade, 69,352 new MBBS seats were added, marking a 127% increase.
- 43,041 PG seats were added, showing a 143% growth.
Challenges and Future Plans
- Addressing regional disparities in capacity, demand, and affordability of healthcare.
- 22 new AIIMS were approved under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
- New regulations for faculty recruitment to expand qualified teaching personnel.
This initiative is aimed at increasing the overall availability of doctors and introducing new specialties in government medical institutions, thereby strengthening the healthcare infrastructure across the country.
