New Delhi, September 24: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Phase-III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to strengthen and upgrade government medical colleges, PG institutes, and hospitals. The initiative will create 5,000 postgraduate seats and 5,023 MBBS seats, with an enhanced cost ceiling of ₹1.5 crore per seat, at a total cost of ₹15,034.50 crore for 2025-26 to 2028-29. The central government will contribute ₹10,303.20 crore, while states will provide ₹4,731.30 crore.
The scheme aims to expand medical education, increase the availability of specialist doctors, introduce new medical specialties, and strengthen healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the plan seeks a cost-effective expansion of tertiary healthcare services and equitable distribution of medical resources.
Expected Benefits:
- More opportunities for students to pursue medical education.
- Enhanced quality of medical education to meet global standards.
- Increased availability of doctors and specialists to improve healthcare accessibility and boost India as a hub for affordable healthcare.
- Creation of direct and indirect employment for doctors, faculty, paramedical staff, researchers, and support services.
- Strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system and supporting socio-economic development.
Implementation and Targets:
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) will issue detailed guidelines, with the target to add 5,000 PG and 5,023 UG seats by 2028-29.
Background:
India currently has 808 medical colleges, the highest globally, with 1,23,700 MBBS seats and over 43,000 PG seats. Despite significant growth in the past decade, certain regions still require expanded capacity to meet rising healthcare demand. The new AIIMS institutions under PMSSY and updated Medical Institution (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations 2025 are aimed at enhancing teaching quality and building a skilled medical workforce.
The expansion reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening human resources for health, improving access to quality healthcare, and advancing Universal Health Coverage for India’s 1.4 billion population.
