Question : MEDICAL DENTAL AND PHARMACY COLLEGES

(a) the number of Government and private medical, dental and pharmacy degree colleges in the country along with the number of seats therein at various levels, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government proposes to increase the number of seats in the existing medical, dental and pharmacy degree colleges across the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the norms/criteria being complied for the purpose, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether the Government has set any target to establish new medical, dental and pharmacy degree colleges, particularly in the unserved remote, tribal and backward areas of the country during the next few years; and

(e) if so, the details thereof, State/UTwise?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) The state/UT-wise details of number of Government and private medical, dental and pharmacy degree colleges indicating intake capacity are at Annexure I,II and III respectively.

(b) & (c): To mitigate the shortage of allopathic doctors in the country, the government is keen to increase the intake capacity in existing medical colleges of the country. However, there is no such proposal in respect of dental and pharmacy colleges. The norms/criteria laid down in relevant statutes are adhered to while granting permission for increase in the intake capacity in these colleges.

(d) & (e): No specific targets have been set for establishment of new medical, dental and pharmacy degree colleges in next few years.