Question : Doctor-Patient Ratio

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) the present level of doctor-patient ratio in the country, State/UT-wise, vis-avis the ratio prevailing in some of the neighbouring developing countries and developed countries;
(b) whether the Government has any estimate as to the effective ratio for taking prime care of the patients;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to increase this ratio and to make it at par with the international standards?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 86* FOR 21ST JULY, 2017
(a) to (c) As per information provided by Medical Council of India, there are a total 10,22,859 allopathic doctors registered with the State Medical Councils/Medical Council of India as on 31st March, 2017. Assuming 80% availability, it is estimated that around 8.18 lakh doctors may be actually available for active service. It gives a doctor-population ratio of 0.62:1000 as per current population estimate of 1.33 billion. WHO prescribes a doctor population ratio of 1:1000. The data on doctors-population ratio States/UT wise is not maintained centrally. The doctor population ratio in some neighbouring developing countries and developed countries is at Annexure (Source:WHO)
(d) The emphasis of government on increasing the number of doctors in the country will improve the doctor population ratio. There are 479 medical colleges in the country with an intake capacity of 67218 MBBS seats. 12870 MBBS seats have been added in the last three years. The Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Establishment of new medical colleges attached with district/referral hospitals in 58 districts in under-served areas in the country. 8 such colleges have become functional. There are other Centrally Sponsored Schemes for increasing UG seats and PG seats in existing Government medical colleges. To increase the availability of faculty and specialist doctors in the country, one time increase in PG seats was permitted this year after the revision of teacher student ratio. In all, over 5800 PG seats have been added this year. Minimum Standard Requirements (MSRs) for medical colleges including requirement of land, faculty, staff, bed/ bed strength and other infrastructure has been rationalized to facilitate setting up of new colleges.