126. Reforms in medical education; doubling number of MBBS and Specialist doctors; reforms in paramedical education
Status: The parliament passed the National Medical Council Act in August 2019 to regulate medical education in the country. It proposes, among other things, a common entrance exam, and the replacement of the Medical Council with the National Medical Commission that has powers to cap the college fees and develop educational standards. The number of MBBS seats has more than doubled from 51,348 before 2014 to 1.09 lakh by November 2023; similarly, the number of PG seats has more than doubled from 31,185 before 2014 to 70,674 by November 2023. The government also enacted the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Bill in 2021 to regulate and standardise the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals. The initiative also includes ratings of allied and healthcare institutions and the registration of professionals engaged in the field. i ii iii