Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has announced that the Centre plans to add 75,000 undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical seats over the next five years, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s healthcare workforce and medical education infrastructure.

Addressing the second convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bathinda (AIIMS Bathinda), Nadda said the expansion aligns with the government’s broader vision of improving healthcare accessibility and addressing the growing demand for trained healthcare professionals across the country.

Highlighting the progress made in India’s healthcare sector, the minister noted that more than 1.82 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly Health and Wellness Centres) are currently functioning as the first point of contact for healthcare services, delivering preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care to millions of citizens.

Nadda emphasized that India has witnessed a significant expansion in medical education over the past decade. According to government data, the number of medical colleges has increased from around 387 in 2014 to over 780 today, while MBBS and PG medical seats have also seen substantial growth. The proposed addition of 75,000 seats is expected to further strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce and help bridge doctor-patient gaps.

Healthcare experts believe the move is particularly important as India continues to face rising healthcare demands driven by population growth, ageing demographics, and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases. Expanding medical education capacity is expected to improve the availability of doctors, specialists, and healthcare professionals, especially in underserved regions.

The minister also highlighted the role of AIIMS institutions and other premier medical colleges in advancing medical education, research, and patient care standards across the country.

Public health experts have welcomed the announcement, noting that investments in healthcare infrastructure and medical training will be crucial to achieving India’s long term healthcare goals and strengthening the nation’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services to all citizens.

The planned seat expansion is expected to be implemented in phases over the next five years, further accelerating India’s efforts to build a robust and future-ready healthcare system.