Steps taken to address shortage of Doctors and Healthcare Resources

‘Public Health’ & ‘Hospitals’ are State subjects. Accordingly, respective State Governments make efforts for ensuring availability of doctors and healthcare resources in government hospitals across the country. Information related to vacant posts of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff in State Government Hospitals is not maintained centrally.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for ‘Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals’ with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. The fund sharing mechanism between the Centre and State Governments is in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern and Special Category States, and 60:40 for others. Under the Scheme, 157 Government medical colleges have already been approved. Out of which, 137 medical colleges have become functional.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.(UPDATED ON 3RD FEB 2026)