New Delhi: The Union government approved 157 government medical colleges under a centrally sponsored scheme to address doctor shortage, with 137 colleges already functional, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said public health and hospitals fell under the State list. As a result, State governments remained responsible for ensuring the availability of doctors and healthcare staff in government hospitals. The Centre did not maintain a consolidated database on vacancies in State-run hospitals.
However, the ministry shared vacancy details for major central government hospitals in Delhi. These included Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, ABVIMS and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and its associated hospitals, and Rural Health Training Centres.
At Safdarjung Hospital and VMMC, 119 doctor posts remained vacant against 632 sanctioned posts. Nursing vacancies stood at 417, while 40 paramedical posts were unfilled. At ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, 102 doctor posts and 154 paramedical posts remained vacant.
Lady Hardinge Medical College and its associated hospitals reported 88 doctor vacancies. The hospital also had 222 nursing and 247 paramedical posts vacant. Rural Health Training Centres reported shortages across doctors, nursing staff and paramedical workers.
Doctor shortage addressed through NHM incentives and funding support
The Centre said it implemented the National Health Mission to support States and Union Territories in strengthening healthcare systems. Under NHM, the government provided financial, technical and human resource assistance based on State-specific implementation plans.
To address doctor shortage in rural and remote areas, States offered hard area allowances to specialist doctors. The mission also supported honorariums for gynecologists, pediatricians, anesthetists and doctors trained in emergency obstetric and life-saving anesthesia care.
In addition, the Centre allowed States to offer flexible and negotiable salaries to attract specialists. Non-monetary incentives included preference in postgraduate admissions and improved accommodation in difficult areas. The mission also supported multi-skilling and upgradation of existing healthcare staff.
The ministry said the medical colleges scheme prioritised underserved and aspirational districts. Funding followed a 90:10 Centre-State ratio for special category States and 60:40 for others.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav provided the information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
