Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 23: Expressing concern over the growing mismatch between NEET aspirants and available medical seats, the Karnataka government on Wednesday urged the National Medical Commission (NMC) to substantially increase undergraduate medical seats across India.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 2019 batch of Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Research Institute (SABVMC), medical education minister Sharan Prakash Patil said, “Over 5 lac students appear for NEET, but only about 1 lac seats are available. This disparity requires immediate redressal.”

“Our doctors serve not only the nation but also meet global healthcare demands. The NMC must step in to bridge this critical gap,” Patil said, addressing NMC chairperson Dr B N Gangadhar, who was present at the function.

The Karnataka government has already submitted a proposal to the NMC seeking 800 additional UG and 600 PG medical seats for the upcoming academic year.

Reaffirming the state’s push to boost healthcare infrastructure, Patil reiterated the government’s plan to establish a medical college in every district, complete with hospitals, trauma centres, cancer care units, and super-speciality facilities.

“Districts without medical colleges will soon get fully equipped institutions. Deserving students from economically weaker sections will be able to pursue medicine at government expense,” he assured.

Dr Gangadhar, meanwhile, cited a global shortage of nearly 3 crore doctors, calling on youth to take up medical careers. “Indian doctors are highly sought after worldwide for their solid training and English proficiency,” he noted, adding that the NMC aims to nurture globally recognised professionals.

Also present were Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, principal secretary Mohammed Mohsin, director of medical education Dr B L Sujatha Rathod, and SABVMC director Dr Manoj Kumar H V.