Kerala Doctors Surge: Over 1 Lakh Registered!

The number of registered medical practitioners in Kerala has now exceeded the 100,000 mark, with official data revealing 113,023 practitioners as of October 8, 2026. A notable increase is observed, with 31,446 doctors registering between 2021 and 2025.

Public health activist K.V. Babu noted that 95,993 doctors were added in the last 27 years. He expressed concern that a surplus of doctors, potentially one for every 450 people in Kerala, could lead to unemployment among graduates and a shift towards commercialized healthcare.

Discussions are also underway regarding vacant MBBS seats in deemed universities, with calls for cautious consideration of new medical college approvals. The Indian Medical Association suggests improving existing infrastructure and faculty in colleges rather than expansion. They also highlight a need for more doctors and faculty in government hospitals and colleges.

Concerns persist about unemployment among the approximately 5,000 medical graduates produced annually in Kerala, along with another 2,000 from other institutions. Experts advocate for better resource allocation in existing medical facilities and strategic appointments in public healthcare sectors.