India's Medical Boom: Over 48,000 MBBS Seats Added, Future Expansion Ahead

• India increased 48,563 MBBS and 29,080 PG seats between 2020-21 and 2025-26 to address doctor shortage.
• The Ministry of Health confirmed this expansion in Rajya Sabha, guided by National Medical Commission (NMC) advice.
• The aim is to improve the doctor-patient ratio, provide quality medical education domestically, and reduce students studying abroad.
• An additional 10,023 new medical seats are planned for Government Medical Colleges from 2025-26 to 2028-29.
• NMC regulations like GMER 2023 and CBME 2024 ensure quality standards are maintained despite increased seats.

Why It Matters: India rapidly expanded medical seats to combat doctor shortage, enhance domestic education, and retain students.