India Doubles Medical Colleges From 387 to 819 in 11 Years: JP Nadda Highlights Healthcare Education Growth

India has recorded a major expansion in medical education over the past decade, with the number of medical colleges rising from 387 to 819, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Saturday. Speaking at the 50th Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, he highlighted that this growth reflects India’s priority to build a skilled and compassionate healthcare workforce.

More Medical Seats, Broader Access

According to Nadda, undergraduate (UG) medical seats have increased from 51,000 to 1.29 lakh in the last 11 years, significantly expanding opportunities for aspiring doctors. Postgraduate (PG) seats have also seen a sharp rise—from 31,000 to 78,000—strengthening India’s specialised healthcare capabilities.

The minister projected further growth, announcing that 75,000 additional UG and PG seats will be added over the next five years. This expansion aims to ensure better access to education for students across India and enhance healthcare service delivery, particularly in underserved regions.

AIIMS Leading the Path of Medical Excellence

Acknowledging AIIMS' global reputation, Nadda said the institute has played an unparalleled role in research, medical innovation, and high-quality patient care. He congratulated new graduates and encouraged them to uphold ethical medical practices while adapting to evolving health challenges.

He called upon young healthcare professionals to remain “lifelong learners,” contribute to science through research, and prioritise service with empathy and integrity.

Strong Progress in Health Indicators

The minister cited key improvements in national health outcomes. As per the Sample Registration Survey (SRS):

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reduced from 130 to 88

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropped from 39 to 27

• Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) fell by 42%

• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) reduced by 39%

These figures surpass global average improvements in recent years.

He also referred to a 17.7% decline in tuberculosis incidence in India, more than twice the global decline rate of 8.3% reported by The Lancet, indicating better disease control and healthcare outreach.

Vision for India’s Healthcare Future

Nadda concluded by stating that India’s push for medical infrastructure, education reforms, and innovative healthcare models reflects the government’s long-term vision of building a robust and equitable health ecosystem. He stressed that the commitment and expertise of the next generation of professionals will determine the success of this transformation.