India highlights major expansion of medical, nursing and allied healthcare workforce; reaffirms commitment to equitable access to specialized care for rural, tribal and underserved populations at WHO RC79
Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadha highlighted India's expansion of its medical, nursing, and allied healthcare workforce at the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia (RC79) in Timor-Leste. India reaffirmed its commitment to equitable access to specialized care for rural and underserved populations. During the session, health ministers adopted the Dili Declaration, and India received two WHO South-East Asia Regional awards for public health achievements.
Why It Matters
Important for competitive exams covering international health bodies, government health policies, and India's public health milestones.
In Simple Words
Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda attended the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia (RC79) in Timor-Leste to discuss healthcare equity and specialized care.
He shared details about India's growing medical workforce, new nursing colleges, and allied healthcare expansion, alongside the role of digital health platforms like eSanjeevani. At the event, Member States adopted the Dili Declaration, and India received two WHO awards for public health achievements.
Key Points
- Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda participated in the Ministerial Roundtable at WHO RC79 in Timor-Leste.
- Medical colleges in India more than doubled from 387 in 2014 to 858.
- MBBS seats increased by 177.45% from 51,348 to 1,42,464 since 2014.
- Postgraduate medical seats rose from 31,185 to 86,287 since 2014.
- 157 new nursing colleges are being established co-located with existing medical colleges.
- The Dili Declaration on Human Resources for Health was adopted at RC79.
- India received two WHO South-East Asia Regional awards for maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination and leadership in noncommunicable diseases management.
Exam Angle
A. The number of medical colleges in the country has more than doubled from 387 to 858.
Source: Press Information Bureau