New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday informed Parliament that India’s doctor-population ratio now stands at 1:811, based on the assumption that 80% of registered allopathic and AYUSH practitioners are currently available for service.
Over 21 Lakh Registered Doctors in India
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said India has:
- 13,88,185 registered allopathic doctors, and
- 7,51,768 AYUSH practitioners.
“Assuming 80% availability, the estimated doctor-population ratio becomes 1:811,” Nadda said, as quoted by PTI.
Massive Expansion of Medical Education Since 2014
The minister highlighted a significant rise in medical education infrastructure:
- Medical colleges: Increased from 387 to 818
- UG seats: From 51,348 to 1,28,875
- PG seats: From 31,185 to 82,059
Nadda said the government’s reforms are aimed at enhancing the availability of trained medical professionals across the country.
Boosting Healthcare Access in Rural and Tribal Areas
To address shortages in underserved regions, several initiatives have been undertaken:
- 137 new medical colleges are now functional under the centrally sponsored scheme that links new institutions with existing district hospitals.
- Family Adoption Programme added to the MBBS curriculum, where colleges adopt villages and students adopt households.
Students monitor vaccination, nutrition, hygiene, anaemia, vector control, lifestyle, and treatment adherence, while spreading awareness about government health programmes. - District Residency Programme: Second- and third-year PG students are deployed in district hospitals for hands-on experience.
Incentives to Attract Specialists
The government is offering:
- Hard-area allowances for specialists in rural/remote regions.
- Flexible hiring under NHM, including “You Quote, We Pay” models to attract experienced doctors.
Foreign Doctors Allowed Under Specific Conditions
Nadda informed the House that NMC’s regulations permit temporary registration of foreign-qualified doctors for:
- Training
- Fellowships
- Research
- Expert visits
- Voluntary service
- Approved PG/super-specialty courses
Government Focused on Strengthening Workforce
The minister reiterated that the government remains committed to expanding India’s medical workforce and improving healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and tribal belts.
