Number of Medical Colleges in India Increased from 387 to 819

The number of medical colleges in India has nearly doubled in the last eleven years, rising from 387 to 819, Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced on Saturday. He was addressing the 50th Annual Convocation Ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

The minister highlighted that the country’s medical education sector has undergone significant expansion under the current administration. He added that the government aims to add around 75,000 more seats across undergraduate (UG)and postgraduate (PG) levels within the next five years.

Expansion of Medical Education in India

Nadda stated that the number of undergraduate medical seats has increased from 51,000 to 1.29 lakh, while postgraduate seats have grown from 31,000 to 78,000. He called this development a major step toward ensuring that more students can pursue medical education and serve in India’s growing healthcare network.

He further noted that the upcoming 75,000 additional seats would help address the shortage of doctors and specialists, especially in rural and semi-urban regions.

Health Minister’s Address at AIIMS Convocation

During his address, Nadda congratulated the graduating students and praised AIIMS for its “unparalleled contribution” to medical research, education, and patient care. He urged young doctors to serve with empathy and uphold ethical medical practices.

He said, “Young doctors must remain lifelong learners, harness innovation, and dedicate themselves to improving healthcare access for all citizens.”

Progress in India’s Health Indicators

The Health Minister shared key achievements in India’s healthcare outcomes. He cited data from the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) showing a sharp decline in the country’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 130 to 88, and the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) from 39 to 27.

He added that both the Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) have shown reductions of 42 percent and 39 percent, respectively — improvements that surpass the global average.

Decline in Tuberculosis Incidence

Highlighting India’s success in combating communicable diseases, Nadda said the tuberculosis (TB) incidence in the country has fallen by 17.7 percent, which is more than twice the global reduction rate of 8.3 percent, as reported in The Lancet.

He emphasized that these achievements reflect India’s growing focus on preventive and community-based healthcare.

Call for Continued Research and Innovation

Concluding his address, the minister urged AIIMS graduates to contribute to research, innovation, and academic excellence. He encouraged them to uphold the prestigious legacy of AIIMS by maintaining professional integrity and a spirit of service.

Nadda said that the next phase of India’s medical progress will depend on the collective efforts of doctors, researchers, and policymakers working to make healthcare more accessible and equitable across the nation.