The Government has approved 157 Government medical colleges under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in three phases. Out of these, 108 medical colleges are already functional. This press release was issued on December 5, 2023.
There has been an 82% rise in medical colleges, surging from 387 before 2014 to 706 at present. Similarly, there has been a 112% increase in MBBS seats, climbing from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,08,848 currently.
Several proactive measures have been undertaken to augment medical education facilities and elevate standards in the country. Key initiatives include the establishment of new medical colleges through CSS, leading to the approval of 157 new medical colleges, with 108 already operational. Additionally, the CSS focuses on strengthening and upgrading existing State Government and Central Government medical colleges to expand the number of MBBS (UG) and PG seats.
Under the “Upgradation of Government medical colleges by construction of Super Specialty Blocks” within the PMSSY scheme, 75 projects have been approved, and 64 are now complete. Furthermore, the Central Sector Scheme for setting up new AIIMS has seen approval for 22 AIIMS, with undergraduate courses commenced in 19 of these institutions.
In a bid to facilitate the establishment of medical colleges, the government has relaxed norms regarding faculty, staff, bed strength, and other infrastructure requirements. Recognizing the shortage of faculty, the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) qualification is now accepted for appointment as teaching faculty.
To address the scarcity of experienced personnel, the age limit for appointments, extensions, and re-employment against posts of teachers, deans, principals, and directors in medical colleges has been extended up to 70 years.
Administered by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the CSS for the establishment of new medical colleges is designed to attach them with existing district/referral hospitals. This scheme prioritizes underserved areas and aspirational districts, with funding shared between the Centre and State Governments in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern and Special Category States and 60:40 for others.
