The government has taken a positive step to address the shortage of medical professionals and strengthen the country’s healthcare system. On September 24, 2025, the Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the addition of 10,023 new medical seats across government medical colleges and hospitals, backed by an investment of ₹15,034 crore over four years. This investment of ₹15,034 crore over four years is a key step towards the government’s ambitious goal of creating 75,000 additional medical seats within five years.
Since 2013-14, India has nearly doubled its number of medical colleges, growing from 387 to 808 in 2025-26. During this period, undergraduate medical seats have increased by 141%, and postgraduate seats by 144%. Despite this rapid growth, India continues to face a shortage of doctors and specialists, particularly in rural, tribal, and remote areas.
To address this challenge, the government approved 5,000 postgraduate and 5,023 undergraduate seats to be added in existing government colleges and hospitals by 2028-29. Approximately 68.5% of the ₹15,034 crore investment will come from the Union government, with the remaining funds provided by state governments. Each seat requires an investment of about ₹1.5 crore.
In addition, new regulations introduced in 2025 now allow experienced government specialists to join as faculty members without mandatory senior residency, expanding the pool of qualified educators and enabling faster growth in medical education.
This initiative aims to enhance healthcare access across underserved regions, improve the quality of medical education to meet international standards, and position India as a global destination for affordable healthcare. It will also generate new jobs across the healthcare ecosystem, from doctors and researchers to support staff, driving socio-economic growth.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that this expansion will ensure skilled medical professionals reach every corner of India, bringing the country closer to achieving universal health coverage and equitable healthcare for all.
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