Karnataka urges NMC to increase medical seats as NEET aspirant numbers surge

Expressing concern over the widening gap between the number of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirants and available medical seats, the Karnataka government on Wednesday urged the National Medical Commission (NMC) to significantly increase undergraduate medical seats across the country.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 2019 batch of Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Research Institute (SABVMC), Minister for Medical Education and skill development, Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, said over five lakh students appear for the NEET examination every year, but only around one lakh medical seats are available.

“This disparity needs immediate attention. The doctors we train in India are not just for our country, but for the world,” he said.

“There is a stark mismatch between demand and availability. The NMC must intervene,” he said, addressing NMC chairperson Dr. B.N. Gangadhara, who was present at the event.

A formal proposal has already been sent to the NMC seeking approval for an additional 800 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate medical seats in Karnataka starting this academic year.

Dr. Gangadhara, in his address, highlighted the global shortage of nearly 3 crore doctors and encouraged the younger generation to take up medical careers.

“Indian doctors are in great demand worldwide, thanks to their strong academic foundation and English proficiency. One of NMC’s key goals is to produce globally recognized medical professionals,” he said.