One doctor for 2,000 patients in the country!

In a shocking revelation made by Medical Council of India (MCI), for every 2,000 patients, the country has only one doctor. The interesting, yet shocking data has been formed by the ministry of health and family welfare.u00a0

According to the information provided by MCI, the total number of doctors (allopathic) registered in the country till 31st July is around 8,56,000, out of which approximately six lakh are presently active practitioners.

The current doctor-population ratio has been worked out to be approximately 1:2,000. The information was laid out by union minister of health and family welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.u00a0Though the ministry claimed that a large number of steps have been taken to address shortage of doctors, specialists and faculty in the country, all efforts in this regard seem to be in vain.u00a0

"The norms for setting up of a medical college in terms of requirement for land, faculty, staff, bed strength and other infrastructure have been relaxed. Forty-six new medical colleges have been set up between 2009 and 2011," Azad informed.

>> Teacher-student ratio has been relaxed to increase the seats at postgraduate level.

>>u00a0DNB qualifications have been recognised for appointment to various faculty posts in u00a0 medical colleges.

>>u00a0Maximum intake capacity at MBBS level has been increased from 150 to 250.

>>u00a0Maximum age for appointment of faculty has been enhanced from 65 to 70 years.u00a0

>>u00a0Under the scheme of 'strengthening and upgrade of state government medical colleges, financial support to state medical colleges is being provided to increase postgraduate seats in various disciplines or to start new postgraduate medical courses.