Gujarat is now producing over 7,000 doctors annually, reflecting a significant expansion in the state’s medical education capacity, said Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The announcement was made during a national-level medical conference held in Ahmedabad. CM Patel highlighted that new medical colleges and increased intake of undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate (PG) seats are strengthening healthcare delivery across the state, particularly in underserved regions.
Growth in Medical Seats Over the Last Decade
During the early phase of medical education expansion, Gujarat had only 1,175 medical seats. Since then, the state has focused on establishing medical colleges in multiple districts and expanding intake at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The number of graduating doctors has risen sharply, helping address local healthcare needs. Patel noted that this growth aligns with Gujarat’s long-term development roadmap and national priorities for strengthening public health systems.
MBBS and PG Seats Increase Nationwide
CM Patel also commented on the national context, noting that India’s medical education infrastructure has seen substantial growth over the past decade:
- Medical colleges: Increased from 387 to 731
- MBBS seats: Increased from around 51,000 to over 1.12 lakh
- Postgraduate medical seats: Rose from 31,000 to about 72,000
This expansion aims to reduce doctor shortages and improve access to healthcare, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Challenges and Implications
Despite the rise in seats, challenges remain in ensuring adequate faculty, clinical exposure, and infrastructure. These issues are key concerns for medical regulators and institutions to maintain quality education. The growth in medical graduates is also expected to impact NEET UG and NEET PG competition, internship availability, and postgraduate seat demand in coming years. Capacity planning and infrastructure readiness will continue to be critical for medical education authorities.
