District-Wise Approach Creates Imbalance in Healthcare Infrastructure
New Delhi: A recent Parliamentary Committee report has emphasized the need to revamp India’s method of sanctioning medical colleges, urging a shift from district-wise allocation to a population-based approach. The report argues that the current system creates an uneven hospital-to-population ratio, leading to an oversupply of medical facilities in some districts while leaving others underserved.
Call for Equitable Distribution of Medical Colleges
The Committee’s findings highlight that allocating medical colleges based on districts rather than actual healthcare needs results in inequitable distribution. “The sanctioning of medical colleges should be based on population, not districts, to ensure a balanced hospital-to-population ratio,” the report stated.
A population-based model would help establish medical colleges where they are most needed, ensuring better healthcare access and addressing regional disparities.
Ensuring High Standards in Medical Education
Apart from equitable distribution, the Committee stressed the importance of maintaining quality in medical and nursing education. It recommended adherence to National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) and global best practices to ensure that medical professionals receive top-tier training.
Impact of MBBS Seat Cap on Southern States
In September 2023, the National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced guidelines recommending 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population. This rule made several southern states—including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana—ineligible for new medical colleges or additional MBBS seats.
While many southern states opposed the move, Kerala sought exemptions based on specific needs. The NMC defended its decision, citing court observations on medical college overcrowding and highlighting how the policy could help add 40,000 new MBBS seats in India. However, due to widespread opposition, the MBBS seat cap rule has been put on hold until 2025.
The debate continues as policymakers weigh the need for equitable medical education distribution against concerns from states and the medical fraternity.
