In a significant development disclosed by the Union Health Ministry, Tamil Nadu has emerged as the forerunner among Indian states. It boasts the highest number of medical colleges. Simultaneously, Karnataka has garnered attention for its commendable contribution. Which offers the most undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) seats, Showing important progress in the medical education field. Over the past five years, There has been substantial growth in the number of medical colleges, increasing from 499 in 2018-19 to 648 in 2022-23. This growth aligns with an escalation in MBBS seats from 70,012 to 96,077 during the same period.
Tamil Nadu Leads In Government Medical Colleges
Tamil Nadu leads with the highest count of both government and private medical colleges nationwide. The state has observed a steady increase in government medical colleges, totaling 38, with an additional 36 private medical colleges in the academic year 2023-24.
Karnataka’s contribution is equally noteworthy. It has 24 government medical colleges and an impressive 46 private medical colleges. Which secures the highest number of private institutions nationally. Additionally, Karnataka leads in providing the most UG seats 11,745 and PG seats 6,449, predominantly in private medical colleges.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, addressing the Lok Sabha, emphasized the government’s proactive measures in expanding medical education. The minister cited an 82% increase in medical colleges, a 112% surge in MBBS seats, and a substantial 127% rise in PG seats.
Maharashtra secures the third position nationally, hosting 32 government medical colleges and 36 private ones. Telangana is unique in having an equal number of government and private medical colleges at 28 each. Which demonstrates a commitment to medical education.
Karnataka’s dominance extends to offering the highest number of both UG and PG seats. It also establishes the state as a hub for medical education. Tamil Nadu closely follows securing the second-highest number of UG seats. Which is 11,650, with Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat making substantial contributions.
Post Karnataka, Maharashtra emerges as the state with the highest number of PG seats 6,074. It is later followed by Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
In contrast, northeastern states present a different landscape, with fewer medical colleges. States like Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh have only one government medical college each. Sikkim stands with only one private medical college. While Manipur shines as an exception with three government medical colleges and one private institution.
These developments show good progress in medical education. States are working actively to meet the growing need for healthcare professionals. The effort to expand medical education facilities is positive for India’s overall healthcare system.
