Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Government of India will add one lakh more medical seats across the country in the next four to five years. At present, India has around 1.18 lakh MBBS and BDS seats, and the expansion aims to strengthen healthcare education and opportunities for aspiring doctors. The Prime Minister made this announcement while addressing a public gathering in Darrang, Assam, where he laid the foundation stone of the Darrang Medical College & Hospital, a GNM School, and a B.Sc. Nursing College.
Expansion of AIIMS and Medical Colleges
Highlighting the government’s achievements, PM Modi stated that in the last 11 years, India has seen a remarkable expansion of AIIMS institutions and medical colleges. He emphasized that this growth is comparable to the number of colleges set up in the first 60–65 years after Independence. “In Assam specifically, dedicated cancer hospitals have been established to ensure specialized care. The healthcare network is expanding to every corner of the nation,” he said.
Medical Colleges in Assam
The Prime Minister underlined Assam’s transformation in medical education. Before 2014, the state had only six medical colleges. With the addition of Darrang Medical College, the number will reach 24. This expansion, he said, will not only improve healthcare infrastructure but also create more opportunities for youth to pursue careers in medicine. “Earlier, due to the shortage of seats, many aspiring doctors could not fulfill their dreams. Our government is working to change that,” he added.
Doubling of Medical Seats in 11 Years
PM Modi also highlighted that medical seats in the country have more than doubled in the last 11 years. This growth has been instrumental in addressing the shortage of doctors and strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved areas. The new target of adding one lakh seats in the next five years is expected to significantly boost the availability of trained medical professionals across the country.
