| Syllabus: GS I, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social Sector-Health, Issue: Medical education |
Context: The Madurai AIIMS project illustrates the challenges of implementation despite lofty goals.
Initiatives to addressing gap in medical education:
- Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana was launched in 2003 for this purpose.
- Six AIIMS-like medical institutions were established under PMSSY in 2006.
- Currently, there are 20 operational AIIMS institutions and three under development.
- These institutions offer opportunities for students and expand healthcare education beyond urban areas.
Issues at AIIMS Madurai:
- AIIMS Madurai project exemplifies the gap between intentions and implementation.
- Persistent complaints include inadequate infrastructure and manpower constraints.
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone in January 2019, but construction delays persist.
- Three batches of undergraduate students have been accommodated elsewhere due to the delay.
- The original goal of addressing the doctor-population ratio remains unresolved.
The way ahead:
- Both the Centre and the State must collaborate to ensure quality education and avoid victimizing students due to federal issues.
| +1 advantage for mains
·       As per official data, the doctor-population ratio in the country stands at 1:834, worse in rural areas. |
