Continuation of Funding for hospitals converted into medical colleges: Union Health Secretary

There have been concerted efforts over the last nine years to increase the number of medical colleges. At present, there are 706 medical colleges in the country. In the last nine years, a total of 319 medical colleges have been added (including private medical colleges), leading to an 82 % increase in the establishment of medical colleges, since 2014.

A Centrally Sponsored Scheme to provide central funding support for opening new medical colleges by strengthening / upgrading the district hospitals was introduced in 2014 “Establishment of New Medical Colleges attached with existing District/Referral Hospitals”.

Three phases of the Scheme have been implemented, to date, under which 157 colleges have been sanctioned in line with the objectives of increasing medical professionals. As of now, of these 157 medical colleges, 108 have already become functional. Of the 157 colleges approved, 40 are located in the aspirational districts enabling an impetus of investment in these districts.