WHO reports shortage in India’s healthcare workforce – lack of qualified doctors a key concern
The Minister of State for Health in India has commented on the poor condition of healthcare in India, specifically focusing on the doctor shortage. In a written reply in Parliament, Cabinet Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste informed the country that if Allopathic as well as Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathic doctors are counted together, there is a total of 1 doctor to every 831 patients in India. The ratio is even less if allopathic doctors alone are considered. “Assuming 80 percent availability of doctors, it is estimated that around 767 thousand (allopathic) doctors may be actually available for service. It gives a doctor to population ratio of 1:1681”, said the Minister. This statement was released as a reply to a WHO report that showed the low numbers of doctor availability. Media India
