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Key Points

The Karnataka government is urging the National Medical Commission to dramatically increase medical seats in response to overwhelming NEET aspirant numbers. Currently, over 5 lakh students compete for just 1 lakh available medical seats annually, creating a significant educational bottleneck. To address this challenge, the state has proposed adding 800 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate medical seats this academic year. The initiative aims to expand healthcare infrastructure and provide opportunities for deserving students from economically weaker sections to pursue medical education.

Key Points: Karnataka Urges NMC to Boost Medical Seats for NEET Aspirants

  • Karnataka seeks 800 new UG and 600 PG medical seats
  • NMC aims to address 3 crore global doctor shortage
  • State plans medical college in every district
  • Government supports economically weaker students
2 min read

Karnataka urges NMC to increase UG medical seats amid surge in NEET aspirants

Karnataka pushes for increased medical seats nationwide, highlighting critical shortage and global demand for Indian healthcare professionals

"The doctors we train in India are not just for our country, but for the world - Sharan Prakash Patil"

Bengaluru, April 23

Expressing concern over the widening gap between the number of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirants and available medical seats, the Karnataka government on Wednesday urged the National Medical Commission (NMC) to significantly increase undergraduate medical seats across the country.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 2019 batch of Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Research Institute (SABVMC), minister for medical education and skill development, Sharan Prakash Patil, said over 5 lakh students appear for the NEET examination every year, but only around 1 lakh medical seats are available.

“This disparity needs immediate attention. The doctors we train in India are not just for our country, but for the world,” he said, pointing to the rigorous training and high demand for Indian medical professionals globally.

“There is a stark mismatch between demand and availability. The NMC must intervene,” he said, addressing NMC chairperson Dr B.N. Gangadhar, who was present at the event.

A formal proposal has already been sent to the NMC seeking approval for an additional 800 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate medical seats in Karnataka starting this academic year.

Reiterating the state’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure, the minister emphasised the government’s plan to establish a medical college in every district.

“Each of these colleges will be equipped with a hospital and we aim to set up cancer care units, trauma centres and super-speciality hospitals in every district,” he said.

“The chief minister has approved this initiative. Soon, districts without medical colleges will have fully equipped institutions, allowing deserving students from economically weaker sections to pursue medicine at government expense,” the minister stated.

NMC chairperson Dr Gangadhar, in his address, highlighted the global shortage of nearly 3 crore doctors and encouraged the younger generation to take up medical careers. “Indian doctors are in great demand worldwide, thanks to their strong academic foundation and English proficiency. One of NMC’s key goals is to produce globally recognised medical professionals,” he said.

Also present at the event were Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, Principal Secretary of Medical Education Mohammed Mohsin, Director of Medical Education Dr B.L. Sujatha Rathod and SABVMC director Dr Manoj Kumar H.V.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such an important step! The competition for medical seats is insane right now. More seats would give so many deserving students a chance to pursue their dreams. 👏
R
Rahul S.
While I support increasing seats, I hope they maintain the quality of education. We don't want more doctors if it means compromising on training standards.
A
Ananya P.
Medical college in every district? That's ambitious but needed! Rural healthcare will improve so much if we have more local doctors. Hope they execute this plan well.
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Vikram J.
The ratio is shocking - 5 lakh aspirants for just 1 lakh seats. No wonder students are stressed. Good move by Karnataka to push for this change at national level.
S
Sanjana M.
I appreciate the focus on economically weaker sections too. Medicine shouldn't just be for those who can afford expensive coaching and private colleges.
K
Karthik N.
The global demand for Indian doctors is real. My cousin works in the UK and says Indian-trained physicians are highly respected. More seats = more opportunities abroad too!

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