Health Minister JP Nadda points out shortage of doctors in India

New Delhi: Union Health Minister JP Nadda today said the country is facing shortage of doctors but the government is taking several measures to address the issue as "health for all" is its objective.

"India faces a crippling shortage of doctors. The government is tackling this by rapidly increasing the capacity for training undergraduates and postgraduates in existing medical colleges and also by establishing new ones," he said.

The governmet is working to improve training capacity and establish new medical colleges to tackle the situation arising out of the "shortage" of doctors, the Health Minister said.

Speaking at the centenary celebration and convocation of Lady Hardinge Medical College, the Minister said, "Health for all is a national goal and a priority for this government."

He said the government has "grand" plans for redeveloping and modernizing Lady Hardinge Medical College.

"This government has grand plans for redeveloping and modernising LHMC to make it comparable with the best in the world. The redevelopment plan, with superspeciality block and other associated structures, on completion will decongest the present campus, provide enhanced infrastructure for teaching and research and wholesome environment for patients," Nadda said.

He said the government aims to improve the standards of medial education in the country.

"AIIMS-like institutions in different parts of the country are being established to set standards of medical education and healthcare at par with the best in the world.

"Existing premier medical colleges are also being upgraded with top class infrastructure and facilities. Medical teachers will also be closely involved in policy planning, regulation and enforcement of standards in medical education," he said.

The Health Minister urged the students not to forget the larger purpose of working to improve the health of the poor, the needy and the underprivileged.

"No patient should be denied treatment on account of being poor or belonging to lower strata of society," he said.