The committee observed that infrastructure and faculty positions provisions are in place for 200 and 250 seats at different locations, as per the guidelines.A parliamentary committee stressed the necessity of substantially expanding medical seat capacities in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It highlighted that leveraging the government’s current initiative of establishing new medical colleges affiliated with district or referral hospitals could aid in accomplishing this objective.
The 157th report titled “Quality of Medical Education in India” presented by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in the Rajya Sabha highlighted the critical issue of insufficient medical seats in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, emphasizing the need for immediate attention.
The committee underscored the staggering demand-supply gap, with approximately 2 million aspiring medical students annually vying for undergraduate seats, while only 1/20th of the required seats are available. Similarly, the available postgraduate seats fall significantly short of meeting the demand.
Recognizing the imperative of tackling this challenge while upholding the highest standards of medical education, the committee urged the Union Health Ministry to leverage existing infrastructure optimally.
Utilizing all available resources and facilities efficiently can facilitate the accommodation of a larger student population without compromising educational quality.
Furthermore, the panel suggested that implementing a standardized national entrance examination could enhance fairness and transparency in seat allocation, thereby improving the admission process.
The committee acknowledged the detailed Minimum Standards Regulations (UG-MSR) issued on August 16, 2023. While reviewing the matter, it raised concerns regarding certain guidelines for establishing new medical colleges and increasing undergraduate seat allocations.
Permission to increase MBBS seats will be granted for 50, 100, and 150 seats starting from the academic year 2024-25.
The committee observed that infrastructure and faculty provisions exist for 200 and 250 seats in various locations, noting that many medical colleges have batches with 200 and 250 seats. It further emphasized that the optimal batch size for effective teaching by faculty is 150 students.
However, the committee clarified that, in accordance with the guidelines and considering the requisite infrastructure and faculty positions, both old and new colleges could be considered for phased increases in undergraduate seats, up to a maximum of 250.
Additionally, the committee proposed exploring avenues to promote private investment in medical education. It suggested that offering incentives and regulatory support to private institutions willing to establish medical colleges could not only expand seat availability but also foster healthy competition and innovation in medical education.
Furthermore, the committee recommended that the ministry harness technology for distance learning initiatives and establish virtual classrooms. These measures could serve as supplementary solutions to address seat shortages, enabling a larger number of students to access medical education without straining physical infrastructure.
The committee also highlighted that WHO standards recommend a doctor-population ratio of 1:1000, and according to the National Medical Commission (NMC), the country has already achieved a ratio of 1:856.
However, the committee raised concerns regarding the criteria associated with opening new medical colleges, particularly regarding the prescribed department-wise and total patient bed capacity. This is to be considered alongside the requirement for an average occupancy of 80 percent in the attached hospital.
The committee suggested that the government revisit the one-size-fits-all criterion outlined in the UG-MSR to address any geographic imbalances and formulate region-specific guidelines or norms.
