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India's Doctor-Population Ratio Boosts to 1:811
2 Dec
Summary
- India's doctor-population ratio now stands at approximately 1:811.
- Number of medical colleges doubled, with significant seat increases.
- Family Adoption Programme integrates rural healthcare into MBBS.
India has seen a significant improvement in its healthcare infrastructure, with the doctor-population ratio now estimated at 1:811. This figure is based on the availability of over 13 lakh registered allopathic doctors and 7.5 lakh AYUSH practitioners. The number of medical colleges has more than doubled, accompanied by a considerable rise in both undergraduate and postgraduate seats, reflecting a strong governmental focus on medical education expansion.
To address healthcare disparities, several measures are in place to improve doctor availability in rural and tribal regions. Initiatives like the centrally-sponsored scheme for new medical colleges and the integration of the Family Adoption Programme into the MBBS curriculum aim to strengthen primary healthcare. This program allows medical students to directly engage with rural families, promoting preventive care and health awareness.
Further enhancing medical services in underserved areas, the District Residency Programme mandates postings for postgraduate students in district hospitals. Incentives such as hard-area allowances for specialist doctors and flexible recruitment strategies like 'You Quote We Pay' are employed. The National Medical Commission also facilitates temporary registration for foreign medical practitioners for specific educational and research purposes.
