After severe backlash from states, NMC defers MBBS seat to population plan

New Delhi: The dictum on the MBBS seat cap per population has now been put on hold till the year 2025 by the apex medical regulator of India, National Medical Commission (NMC).

The decision to defer the plan limiting MBBS seats in each state to 100 per 10 lakh population, comes in the backdrop of a Health Ministry’s directive due to intense pushback from the states which already have the required or more MBBS seats /medical colleges than the prescribed ratio.

Issuing a notification, Dr Aruna Vanikar, President of NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), announced the deferment of the clause regarding provisions of the ratio of 100 MBBS seats for 10 lakh population for one year.

The NMC notice stated:

“With reference to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare letter No V. 11025/253/2023-MEP(Pt.1) dated 1 st November, 2023 for re-examining the provisions of the ratio of 100 MBBS Seats for 10 lakh population in the states, it is informed that a decision has been taken by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board, National Medical Commission that the “OBJECTIVE” clause under Chapter-1 of "Guidelines for Under Graduate Courses under Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Starting of New Medical Courses, Increase of Seats for Existing Courses & Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023" (notified by UGMEB on 16 th August, 2023) shall be implemented from academic year 2025-26.”

In September this year, releasing the "Guidelines for Under Graduate Courses under Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Starting of New Medical Courses, Increase of Seats for Existing Courses & Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023", the Apex Medical Commission prescribed a ratio of 100 MBBS seats per 10 lakh population.

These Guidelines mentioned, "After A.Y. 2023-24, Letter of permission (LOP) for starting of new medical colleges shall be issued only for annual intake capacity of 50/100/150 seats; Provided that medical college shall follow the ratio of 100 MBBS seats for 10 lakh population in that state/ U.T."

As a result of this new norm, several southern states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana became ineligible to apply for any new medical college or MBBS seats.

Also Read: After Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh oppose NMC Rule of 100 MBBS Seats for 10 Lakh Population Ratio

All the Southern States including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh opposed these new NMC rules for setting up new medical colleges. Kerala, on the other hand, decided to seek relaxation based on specific requirements.

Amid this opposition from the States and various stakeholders corresponding to a section of the medical fraternity hailing the move, the NMC had issued a statement standing by its decision pointing out how various courts had made observations on the crowding of medical colleges and how this decision will help add another 40,000 MBBS seats in India.

"This decision of NMC has been applauded by various state branches of IMA, students’ associations, and the medical fraternity in general. NMC shall continue its endeavour to improve quality of medical training in the country," the Commission had further mentioned.