India Eyes Major Expansion in Medical Education: MBBS-MD Seats to Increase, States Seek New AIIMS and Health Infrastructure

The Central Government is planning a major expansion of medical education to address the shortage of doctors across India. Union Health Minister **Jagat Prakash Nadda** has asked all states and Union Territories to submit proposals for increasing **MBBS and MD seats** at the earliest.

The initiative aims to strengthen the country's healthcare system by producing more doctors, particularly for rural and underserved areas. India currently has around **780 medical colleges** offering nearly **118,000 MBBS seats**, but demand for medical education continues to far exceed the available capacity.

During the meeting, several states also urged the Centre to establish new **AIIMS**, government medical colleges, nursing colleges, super-speciality hospitals and medical research centres to improve healthcare infrastructure.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister **Brajesh Pathak** sought a larger healthcare package for the state. He requested an increase in the **National Health Mission (NHM)** budget in line with the state's population, along with additional healthcare workers and greater emphasis on expanding nursing education.

According to the government, the proposals received from states will help shape future plans for expanding medical education and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ultimately improving access to quality medical services across the country.