Modi Government Approves Over 10,000 New Medical Seats
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the addition of 10,023 new medical seats in government colleges across India. This includes 5,023 MBBS (undergraduate) seats and 5,000 postgraduate (PG) seats under Phase III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme to upgrade medical education.
Funding And Cost Structure
The total allocation for the scheme is roughly ₹15,034 crore. The central government will provide ₹10,303.20 crore, while state governments will contribute ₹4,731.30 crore. The cost ceiling per seat has been raised to ₹1.5 crore to ensure adequate infrastructure and facilities.
Objectives And Coverage
The expansion targets existing government medical colleges, postgraduate institutes, and allied hospitals. It aims to strengthen medical infrastructure, reduce doctor shortages, and improve healthcare access—especially in underserved and rural areas. India currently has 808 medical colleges with an MBBS intake capacity of around 1,23,700 seats.
Past Phases And Future Ambitions
Earlier phases under the scheme added thousands of MBBS and PG seats. In the past decade, over 69,352 MBBS seats and 43,041 PG seats have been added. The government’s goal is to add 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years.
Challenges Ahead
Expanding seats is just a beginning. The success of this plan depends on timely construction of facilities, recruitment of qualified faculty, and smooth coordination between the Centre and states. Some colleges may require major upgrades to meet regulatory norms. States lagging in healthcare infrastructure will need extra support to benefit fully from the scheme.
