Srinagar, July 22 -- Responding to a question raised by Biju Janata Dal MP Shubhashish Khuntia, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare stated that there are currently 1,386,150 registered allopathic doctors across India. In addition, the Ministry of AYUSH has 751,768 registered practitioners. Assuming that 80% of these professionals are actively engaged in practice, the overall doctor-to-population ratio has been computed at 1:811.

The minister elaborated that to address the persistent shortage of medical professionals, the government has undertaken several critical initiatives. Among the most notable is the establishment of 131 new medical colleges under a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at upgrading district and referral hos...