Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the Indian government will create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. On the 78th anniversary of Independence Day, Modi spoke from the Red Fort on the huge financial burden that many middle-class families suffer when sending their children overseas for medical school. The cost of studying abroad frequently approaches “lakhs and crores,” PM Modi stated.
Over the last decade, the government has expanded the overall number of medical seats to almost 1 lakh to meet the rising demand for medical education. PM Modi noted that approximately 25,000 Indian students pursue medical courses abroad each year, and this new program attempts to reverse that trend by expanding options within the country.
PM Modi emphasised that a “Viksit Bharat” or Developed India must also be a “Healthy Bharat,” and the administration is focussing on improving nutrition and healthcare facilities. Since 2014, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recorded an 88% increase in medical colleges, with MBBS seats up 118% and PG seats up 133%.
PM Modi also emphasised the government’s commitment to skill development through the Skill India initiative, which has received additional budget support to prepare India’s youth for Industry 4.0.
