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Cabinet clears Phase 3 of medical college upgradation scheme, set to create 10,000+ new MBBS & PG seats

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The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of Phase 3 of the centrally sponsored scheme aimed at expanding medical education infrastructure. Over the next three years, the scheme will add 5,023 undergraduate (MBBS) seats and 5,000 postgraduate (PG) seats in government medical colleges and institutes, with a budgetary outlay of ₹15,034 crore. This move is part of the government’s larger vision of creating 75,000 new medical seats within five years, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget. In earlier phases, the Centre supported the addition of 4,977 MBBS seats across 83 colleges at a cost of ₹5,972 crore, and 4,058 PG seats in 72 colleges with an allocation of ₹1,498 crore. Phase 2 provided ₹4,478 crore to increase 4,000 seats in 65 institutions. Currently, India has around 1.2 lakh MBBS seats and 74,306 PG seats — a sharp rise from 2014 levels of 51,328 MBBS and 31,185 PG seats. With over 20 lakh aspirants appearing annually for NEET, the demand for medical education remains extremely high. The expansion also aims to encourage students to pursue studies in India instead of seeking education abroad, an issue highlighted during disruptions caused by the pandemic in China, course recognition issues in the Philippines, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, the rapid increase has also brought challenges. A shortage of qualified faculty has persisted across many institutions. To address this, the National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced measures like Aadhaar-based biometric attendance, live CCTV monitoring, and permitted Diplomate of National Board (DNB) doctors to serve as faculty. Additionally, the age limit for teachers’ appointments was raised. Another concern has been the surge of new seats in private colleges where fees are often prohibitively expensive. Although NMC tried to regulate private medical college fees in 2022, implementation has been limited so far. Source: Indian Express

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Govt Launches Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters; IIT Delhi Named Nodal Hub

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The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has rolled out Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters across India’s leading higher education institutions, including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, and central universities, in a bid to empower tribal youth as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. IIT Delhi’s Bhagwan Birsa Munda Cell will serve as the central coordinating hub for the initiative. According to IIT Delhi, the launch reflects a key milestone under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan—described as the world’s largest tribal leadership movement—unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (2024–25). At the launch event, Tribal Affairs Secretary Vibhu Nayar said the chapters would act as a “bridge between premier institutions and tribal communities,” nurturing young changemakers to shape India’s educational, entrepreneurial, and social development. IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee added that the initiative offers a platform for students to “mentor, innovate, and create meaningful impact in tribal regions.” In the first phase, the chapters will be established across a wide network of institutions. These include IITs such as Delhi, Kharagpur, Dharwad, and Hyderabad; IIMs at Sirmaur and Nagpur; AIIMS campuses in Nagpur, Gorakhpur, and Bhatinda; VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital; IISER Mohali; IIST Trivandrum; SVNIRTAR; and others. NITs in Delhi, Patna, Raipur, Puducherry, and Meghalaya, as well as IIITDM Kurnool, BIT Mesra, NERIST Arunachal Pradesh, DTU Delhi, and RGNUL Patiala, are also on board. Additionally, hotel management institutes such as IHM Kufri, IHM Tharamani, IHM Pusa, IHM Bhopal, and IHM Bhubaneswar are part of the launch phase. The Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters will engage in: Mentorship & Education: Linking students from top institutes with EMRS and Ashram schools to enhance learning. Entrepreneurship: Supporting tribal-led startups through a ₹50 crore venture capital fund. Innovation: Organizing hackathons and workshops to develop tech-based solutions for tribal communities. Village Development: Designing Vision 2030 plans, SWOT analyses, and sustainable models. Skill Development: Training in frontier areas such as semiconductors and emerging technologies, in collaboration with IISc Bangalore.  The programme will also facilitate internships with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and state departments, alongside recognition and awards for outstanding student leaders and mentors. With strong backing from directors and leaders of IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and IIST Trivandrum, the initiative aims to build a cadre of empowered tribal youth contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Source: Indian Express

Govt Launches Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters; IIT Delhi Named Nodal Hub Read More »

AIIMS study reveals high prevalence of catheter-related infections in Indian hospitals

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A nationwide study led by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has revealed that bloodstream infections linked to catheter use are widespread in intensive care units (ICUs) across India, with many cases caused by highly drug-resistant microbes. These hospital-acquired infections, known as Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), occur when a catheter inserted into a large vein becomes contaminated. According to estimates published in The Lancet Global Health, Indian ICUs report nearly nine infection events for every 1,000 days a central line remains in use. The AIIMS-led team analysed seven years of data collected by the Indian Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) surveillance network, spanning 200 ICUs across 54 hospitals. Between May 2017 and April 2024, the network recorded 8,629 confirmed CLABSI cases, covering more than 3 million patient-days and nearly 1 million central line-days. The pooled CLABSI rate was found to be 8.83 per 1,000 central line-days. The study also observed a spike in infection rates during 2020–21, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers attributed this surge to overburdened ICUs, staff shortages, and lapses in infection prevention practices. Experts stressed that while CLABSI is preventable, establishing systematic infection surveillance and prevention programs requires significant resources—a major challenge for low- and middle-income countries like India. Nevertheless, the findings mark the first large-scale, standardised surveillance report on CLABSI in India, offering a foundation for healthcare systems to adopt quality improvement measures. Source: PTI Photo Credit: AFP  

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Despite Rise in MBBS Seats, Nearly 2,850 Vacant in 2024: Government Data

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Despite a 39% surge in MBBS seats over the last few years, 2,849 undergraduate medical seats remained vacant in the 2024–25 academic year, according to the latest figures from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The data was shared in the Lok Sabha on August 1 by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, in response to an unstarred question posed by TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar. India’s MBBS seat count rose from 83,275 in 2020–21 to 1,15,900 in 2024–25, driven by the establishment of new medical colleges and enhanced infrastructure and faculty availability. However, vacancies in undergraduate medical admissions (excluding AIIMS and JIPMER) peaked at 4,146 in 2022–23 before decreasing to 2,849 this year. The NMC has introduced the Minimum Standard Requirement Regulations, 2023, to ensure that institutions maintain robust standards in infrastructure, clinical materials, faculty strength, and other essential facilities. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat accounted for the highest number of medical seats in both 2020–21 and 2024–25. To further boost medical education, the government has implemented a centrally sponsored scheme to upgrade district and referral hospitals into medical colleges, especially in underserved regions. Of the 157 medical colleges approved under this initiative, 131 are currently operational. Additionally, another centrally sponsored scheme is focused on expanding the capacity of existing state and central government medical colleges by strengthening infrastructure and increasing both MBBS and postgraduate seats. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), 75 Super Speciality Block projects have been approved to upgrade government medical colleges, with 71 already completed. Under the central sector initiative to establish new AIIMS, 22 institutes have been approved, and undergraduate courses have started in 19 of them. Source: Indian Express

Despite Rise in MBBS Seats, Nearly 2,850 Vacant in 2024: Government Data Read More »

No Proven Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths, Confirms Union Health Ministry

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The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that there is no scientific evidence connecting COVID-19 vaccination with sudden or unexplained deaths in India. This conclusion is backed by comprehensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). In an official statement, the Ministry emphasized that extensive investigations were carried out across the country by multiple research agencies to examine reports of sudden deaths, particularly among seemingly healthy young adults. Findings from these studies have consistently shown no direct association between COVID-19 vaccines and such fatalities. Two key studies have been pivotal in reaching this conclusion. The first, undertaken by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), is a multicentric matched case-control study titled “Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18–45 years in India.” Conducted across 47 tertiary hospitals in 19 states and union territories from May to August 2023, the research analyzed cases between October 2021 and March 2023. The outcome was clear: COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of sudden death in young, otherwise healthy adults. The second study, still in progress, is being led by AIIMS, New Delhi, with ICMR’s collaboration and support. This prospective research—“Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young”—aims to pinpoint the most common reasons behind such fatalities. Preliminary data reveals that heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) remain the leading cause of sudden death in this demographic, with no significant shift in trends compared to previous years. In many cases, genetic factors have also emerged as likely contributors. These studies offer valuable insights into sudden deaths among young individuals and provide reassurance about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers highlight that deaths may stem from a range of issues, including underlying health conditions, genetic predispositions, and unhealthy lifestyles, rather than vaccination. Public health experts have strongly criticized unverified claims linking vaccines to sudden deaths, calling them unscientific and dangerous. Such misinformation not only lacks factual basis but also poses a serious risk to public trust and could foster vaccine hesitancy, undermining one of the most effective tools used during the pandemic to save lives. The government reaffirmed its commitment to science-driven public health policies and continued research to safeguard the health and well-being of all citizens. Source: ANI

No Proven Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths, Confirms Union Health Ministry Read More »

AIIMS and Wipro GE Healthcare Join Forces to Launch AI Health Innovations Hub

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In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of Indian healthcare, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wipro GE Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. to set up an AI Health Innovations Hub. This collaborative center will focus on the development of cutting-edge medical technologies that promise to enhance diagnostics, treatment protocols, and real-time patient care. The AI Health Innovations Hub will harness artificial intelligence to co-develop and test intelligent systems across critical domains such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Wipro GE Healthcare, the technology partner, will invest approximately $1 million over five years to build and deploy AI-powered workflow solutions. AIIMS, acting as the clinical partner, will provide access to a real-world hospital environment and offer expert clinical input, feedback, and validation for these technologies. A joint working committee comprising representatives from both organizations will guide the initiative, which will also incorporate academic research and knowledge exchange. This partnership is seen as a strategic step in accelerating the development of advanced medical technologies within India. Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership holds immense strategic value and aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat through advanced healthcare. We are confident that this collaboration will fast-track MedTech innovation and deliver better outcomes for patients.” The initiative marks a significant step towards integrating AI-driven solutions in mainstream healthcare, paving the way for smarter, more efficient, and inclusive healthcare systems in India. Source: The Hindu

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AIIMS Chief Discusses Good Governance at PGIMER’s Prof IC Pathak Oration

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The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) hosted the fifth Prof IC Pathak Oration, honoring the late Prof Iqbal Chand Pathak, former Director and founding Chairman of the Department of Paediatric Surgery. Prof M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi and a distinguished paediatric surgeon, delivered the oration on “Good Governance & Transparency for Transformation of an Institute”. He emphasized the importance of governance principles in healthcare and the need for transparency in institutional administration. PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal reflected on Prof Pathak’s legacy, highlighting his contributions to paediatric surgery and the institute’s development. Prof JK Mahajan, Head of the Department of Paediatric Surgery, introduced Prof Srinivas, detailing his achievements. During his address, Prof Srinivas outlined methods for ensuring transparent administration, particularly in patient care. He discussed challenges in procurement and recruitment in the government sector and stressed the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives from major industries and public sector undertakings in strengthening healthcare services. The event witnessed participation from over 225 attendees, including more than 100 paediatric surgeons who joined virtually through PGIMER’s telemedicine services. Dean (Academics) Prof RK Ratho extended a vote of thanks, underscoring the importance of collaboration between AIIMS and PGIMER in advancing medical education and governance. Source: tribuneindia

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Education Ministry Hosts National Workshop on Mental Health and Cyber Security

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The Education Ministry marked World Mental Health Day by organizing a national online workshop on mental health and cyber security. Dr. Rajesh Sagar, a professor in the Psychiatry Department at AIIMS, New Delhi, highlighted pressing mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, and depression, noting that half of mental health disorders manifest before the age of 14. He discussed key stressors affecting young people, such as academic pressure, family conflicts, and bullying, offering coping strategies like deep breathing and cognitive restructuring to promote mental well-being. In a session on cyber security, Dr. Rashmi Sharma Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, emphasized the need for cyber hygiene and safety among children. She addressed the dangers of cyberbullying, grooming, and fraudulent online gaming, advising students to use helpline 1930 for reporting cyber fraud. Dr. Yadav urged responsible internet use and parental involvement to ensure the protection of personal information online. The workshop also focused on empowering educators and parents with the knowledge to support children’s mental health and online safety. Experts encouraged schools to integrate mental health education and digital literacy into their curriculums, fostering an environment where students feel supported both emotionally and digitally in an increasingly connected world. Source: Business Standard

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Union Health Minister Unveils Ambitious ‘One District One Medical College’ Initiative for Comprehensive Healthcare in India

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Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Sunday that the government has initiated a new education policy inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. As part of this policy, the government aims to establish one medical college in each district across India, converting them into “Ayushman” districts. The minister made this announcement while speaking at the diamond jubilee celebration of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College in Indore. The event also saw the inauguration of a Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) sub-zonal office and Central Drug Testing Laboratory (CDTL) in Indore. The minister also laid the foundation stone for various facilities at AIIMS, Bhopal and inaugurated several other health facilities in Madhya Pradesh. In his address, Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring access to high-quality medicines for citizens and promoting ease of doing business for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. He also highlighted the importance of the newly inaugurated facilities in AIIMS, Bhopal and the government’s goal of establishing AIIMS in all states of the country. The minister also stressed the significant role that medical colleges play in monitoring public health in their respective districts. He reminded the audience that the government’s goal of eradicating diseases like TB, kala-azar, and leprosy by 2025 relies heavily on the efforts of these medical colleges. The occasion also witnessed the inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College alumni network and the release of a postal stamp and diamond jubilee souvenir of the institute. This initiative aims to strengthen the bond between the institute and its alumni and celebrate the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The news of the government’s plan to establish one medical college in each district in India has been met with enthusiasm and support from various sectors. This move will not only increase access to quality healthcare but also create a robust system for monitoring public health in the country. With this step, the government reaffirms its commitment to making India a healthier nation.

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Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape

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Delhi has reported its first case of the JN.1 COVID variant, as per live updates on the pandemic. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has promptly issued guidelines in response to this new case. As of December 26, India has recorded a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases, according to sources from the Health Ministry. The distribution of cases reveals 36 in Gujarat, 34 in Karnataka, 14 in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 6 in Kerala, 4 in Rajasthan, 4 in Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana. Wednesday witnessed a spike in the daily COVID-19 cases in India, with 529 new infections reported in a single day. The active infection count in the country stands at 4,093, with three new fatalities documented within 24 hours – two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. This surge in cases follows a period of relative decline, with daily case numbers dropping to double digits until December 5. The resurgence is attributed to the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the WHO has emphasized that, based on current evidence, the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low. The classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest underscores the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the evolution of the virus.

Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape Read More »