India’s healthcare system has achieved a significant milestone with a doctor-population ratio of 1:811, surpassing the WHO standard of 1:1000, according to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.
The minister, addressing the Lok Sabha, credited this improvement to the increase in medical education infrastructure. “The number of medical colleges has surged by 102% from 387 in 2014 to 780 now, with MBBS seats increasing by 130% to 1,18,137,” he noted.
Further reforms include the establishment of 131 new medical colleges under a centrally sponsored scheme and 75 super-specialty projects under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), of which 69 are now operational. Additionally, 22 new AIIMS have been approved, with undergraduate courses already started in 19.
Recognizing the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) qualification for faculty positions and extending the retirement age for medical educators to 70 are among steps aimed at addressing the faculty shortage. India currently has 13.86 lakh registered allopathic doctors, with 80% assumed active, alongside 6.14 lakh AYUSH practitioners. This robust workforce has been pivotal in improving access to healthcare nationwide.
However, the reality on the ground paints a more nuanced picture. The distribution of doctors remains skewed, with few states and urban areas enjoying better access to healthcare while rural and underserved regions face significant shortages.
Despite the increase in the number of medical professionals, many poor and marginalized communities continue to struggle with limited availability of doctors, compounded by inadequate healthcare infrastructure. This disparity raises questions about whether the ratio improvement translates to meaningful change for those most in need.
