Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet approved medical education expansion Wednesday. The government allocated Rs 15,034.50 crore to create 5,000 postgraduate and 5,023 undergraduate medical seats. Phase III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme targets existing state and central medical institutions for upgrades. Each seat receives funding up to Rs 1.50 crore under enhanced cost ceilings. The federal government contributes Rs 10,303.20 crore while states provide Rs 4,731.30 crore between 2025-26 and 2028-29.
Modi previously announced plans for 75,000 additional medical seats over five years during his 2024 Independence Day speech. India currently operates 808 medical colleges with 1,23,700 undergraduate seats. The past decade brought 69,352 new undergraduate positions and 43,041 postgraduate slots. This expansion addresses regional healthcare gaps and improves access to specialist care. The initiative promotes balanced resource distribution while generating employment for medical professionals and support staff across underserved areas.
Modi previously announced plans for 75,000 additional medical seats over five years during his 2024 Independence Day speech. India currently operates 808 medical colleges with 1,23,700 undergraduate seats. The past decade brought 69,352 new undergraduate positions and 43,041 postgraduate slots. This expansion addresses regional healthcare gaps and improves access to specialist care. The initiative promotes balanced resource distribution while generating employment for medical professionals and support staff across underserved areas.