Temporary relief to medical colleges aims to boost seat capacity without compromising quality

New Delhi: Arun Sharma

In a significant move aimed at tackling the persistent shortage of doctors across the country, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has decided to provide temporary relaxation in certain norms governing MBBS admissions. The decision is expected to help expand medical education capacity and strengthen healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.
According to senior NMC officials, the step has been taken in view of the growing pressure on India’s healthcare system, rising patient load and the widening gap between demand and availability of qualified doctors. Under the revised provisions, new as well as existing medical colleges will be allowed greater flexibility in obtaining annual permission for MBBS admissions, subject to strict oversight.
The relaxed norms will enable eligible institutions to add a limited number of seats, provided they meet essential requirements related to infrastructure, faculty strength and hospital facilities. The Commission has underlined that while flexibility is being granted, there will be no dilution of academic standards or quality of medical training.
“India continues to face a shortage of doctors, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. This temporary relaxation is intended to bridge that gap by increasing the number of trained medical professionals,” a senior NMC official said.
The Commission believes that this measure could lead to a substantial increase in MBBS seats over the next five years, helping ensure better availability of doctors in both government and private healthcare institutions. The move is also expected to support national health programmes and improve access to medical services for the common man.
However, the NMC has made it clear that the relaxation is not permanent. The impact of the policy will be closely monitored, and a review will be conducted before taking any long-term decision. Institutions found violating prescribed norms or compromising standards will face strict regulatory action, including withdrawal of permissions.
Health experts have welcomed the decision, calling it a timely intervention to strengthen the country’s healthcare backbone. They, however, stressed the need for parallel focus on faculty development, clinical exposure and quality training, so that the increase in numbers translates into effective healthcare delivery.
The move is being seen as a strategic step towards reinforcing India’s health system, ensuring adequate human resources and preparing the country to meet future public health challenges more effectively.