Govt targets 3,400 MBBS seats by 2029: CM Saini
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today announced that the state aims to increase the number of MBBS seats to over 3,400 by the year 2029, as part of a comprehensive push to expand medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking at a National Doctors’ Day event hosted by the Derabassi Medical Association in Chandigarh, Saini said the government was committed to providing better facilities to doctors and ensuring high-quality healthcare for citizens.
“In 2014, Haryana had only six medical colleges. Today, that number has risen to 15, with nine more under construction,” he said. “As a result, MBBS seats have increased from 700 in 2014 to 2,185 now. Our target is to raise it to over 3,400 by 2029.”
The Chief Minister praised the Derabassi Medical Association for its service to humanity, noting the successful operation of a free dialysis centre at Chaurasia Hospital for the past two years.
Extending his greetings on Doctors’ Day, Saini said, “Doctors are the faithful servants of humanity. This year’s theme, ‘Caring for the caregivers behind the mask’, reminds us to value their contribution not just professionally, but emotionally and socially.”
He recalled the selfless service of doctors during the Covid pandemic, saying, “While the country stayed indoors, doctors stood by their patients wearing PPE kits and staying away from their families.”
To further strengthen healthcare, the CM said the number of postgraduate (PG) medical seats in Haryana has been increased from 289 to 1,043, along with 155 PG diploma seats.
The state has recruited 3,798 doctors since 2014 and extended the retirement age for doctors from 58 to 65 years.
“We want to ensure that every doctor has adequate resources and every citizen gets proper treatment,” Saini emphasised.
He also highlighted ongoing welfare schemes: “Free dialysis facilities are now available in government hospitals, medical colleges and universities across the state.”
The CM said over 1.33 crore people in Haryana have benefited from free treatment under Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu Yojana, which cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year per family.
“The goal is to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to every poor individual in the state,” he said.
Haryana Tribune