Economic survey calls for affordable medical education.
The cost of medical education in India continues to be a major barrier to equitable healthcare. In the private sector, MBBS fees range from ₹60 lakh to over ₹1 crore, and nearly half of all seats—around 48% are controlled by private colleges. This high financial burden prevents many talented students from pursuing medicine and indirectly raises healthcare costs for patients. If India is to achieve universal health coverage, lowering the cost of medical education and prioritising equity are critical steps.
As of July 2024, India has 13.86 lakh practitioners of modern medicine registered with the authorities. With an estimated availability rate of 80%, the country’s doctor–patient ratio stands at 1:1263, which is still above the WHO-recommended standard. However, the numbers mask a stark disparity: the distribution of doctors is heavily skewed towards cities. The urban-to-rural doctor density ratio is 3.8:1, leaving rural populations underserved and widening the healthcare gap.
CMEPEDIA is working to change this landscape by making quality healthcare education accessible and affordable. Through accredited online CME courses that are free or fairly priced, CMEPEDIA reduces the cost of learning for medical students and healthcare professionals. This approach allows doctors to upgrade their knowledge and skills without the financial stress that typically comes with continuing education. By removing cost barriers, CMEPEDIA contributes to building a stronger healthcare workforce that can serve both urban and rural India effectively. Affordable education is the foundation for affordable healthcare, and CMEPEDIA is committed to driving that change.
