logo
How medical education in India is pricing out future doctors and talent

How medical education in India is pricing out future doctors and talent

The cost of becoming a doctor in India has increased significantly over the years. For many, the financial burden begins with years of entrance exam preparation, continues through expensive medical degrees, and often requires loans or family sacrifices. The growing expenses are now shaping who is able to pursue a medical career and who is left behind. As India observes National Doctors' Day on Tuesday, we speak with doctors to know the cost of becoming a doctor in the country, a dream that many have as kids.
How early does the financial burden of medical education begin?
According to doctors, it is not just the MBBS fees as the journey starts much earlier and costs pile up fast.
Dr Manisha Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explained that most medical aspirants start spending big on NEET coaching as early as Class 9 or 11. That's four to five years of intensive private tuition before even entering medical school.
Government MBBS colleges: ₹5 to ₹10 lakh
Private medical colleges: ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore
Postgraduate specialisation: Adds several more lakh
Add to this the coaching, entrance exam costs, living expenses, and a decade-long commitment, and you're looking at a career that can feel financially out of reach for many.
Do some students abandon their dreams due to cost?
Unfortunately, yes. Dr Arora shared heartbreaking stories of talented peers who walked away from their medical ambitions simply because their families couldn't afford it. Some even switched to lower-cost alternatives like Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS).
'The financial pressure was overwhelming. I've seen brilliant students abandon medicine just because their parents couldn't pay the fees,' she said.
How do families fund a medical degree in India?
According to Dr Arora, it is only about loans, sacrifices, and hustling.
Many young doctors, like Dr Arora and her peers, took education loans, often at high interest rates. Some parents sold assets, borrowed heavily, or slashed family expenses to keep one child's dream alive.
Others worked part-time in hospitals while studying to repay loan instalments. The pressure doesn't stop after graduation, it often shapes the rest of their careers.
Are less affluent students being excluded from medical education?
Dr Mayank Singh, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at Aiims, Delhi, said that today's medical classrooms are increasingly filled with students from affluent families.
'Earlier, all sections of society were represented. Now, I see many students coming from financially privileged backgrounds,' he observed.
He warned that students from low-income families often struggle with both fees and the cost of living in metro cities where most medical colleges are based. 'This financial barrier is quietly narrowing who gets to wear the white coat,' he said.
Are specialisations now chosen for income over interest?
Sadly, yes. Dr Arora pointed out that the financial burden pushes young doctors toward high-paying specialisations, not necessarily their passion.
'Community medicine, rural service, family health, and other such services often get sidelined because they don't pay enough to cover hefty education loans,' she said.
Dr Singh agreed. He noted that many doctors now gravitate toward private hospitals in metro cities, especially after pursuing super-specialisations like DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and MCh (Master of Chirurgiae), because that's where the money is. Smaller cities and rural areas remain underserved.
Is current financial aid enough to support medical aspirants?
Both doctors said: Not really.
While scholarships and education loans exist, they're often hard to access or come with punishing interest rates and rigid repayment timelines.
Dr Singh emphasised that low-interest or interest-free education loans are crucial, especially for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Document verification for NRI ward claim candidates by KEA
Document verification for NRI ward claim candidates by KEA

The Hindu

time2 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Document verification for NRI ward claim candidates by KEA

The document verification process for candidates seeking admission to Medical, Dental, and AYUSH courses under the NRI Ward claim will be conducted from July 8 to July 10 by the Karnataka Examinations Authority. The candidates can visit the KEA office in Malleswaram for in-person verification. 'Candidates are required to appear based on their NEET rank as follows: On July 8 candidates with ranks up to 4,00,000, July 9 ranks up to 8,00,000 and on July 10 ranks up to 12,00,000,' said H. Prasanna, executive director, KEA on Monday. The candidates must carry the necessary documents.

Union Minister L Murugan launches several healthcare initiatives at ESIC Medical College in Chennai
Union Minister L Murugan launches several healthcare initiatives at ESIC Medical College in Chennai

India Gazette

time8 hours ago

  • India Gazette

Union Minister L Murugan launches several healthcare initiatives at ESIC Medical College in Chennai

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 7 (ANI): Union Minister L Murugan on Monday launched several healthcare initiatives and services under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and other welfare campaigns at the ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Chennai. The Union Minister reaffirmed the Centre's focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for several healthcare schemes. After launching the healthcare initiatives, L Murugan said, 'I am pleased to participate in this event and launch several healthcare initiatives dedicated to the welfare of the people. After witnessing the facilities at the college, I could sense the care and commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the well-being of workers.' Highlighting the Centre's achievements over the past 11 years, the Minister said, 'Medical colleges and faculty have significantly increased across India. The number of medical seats has risen and will continue to expand in the coming years.' He also said that the government was not only focusing on workers but was also extending support to persons with disabilities. 'The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras (Prime Minister's Medical Stores) have been set up to ensure affordable access to quality medicines for all. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is always concerned about the nation's health. That's why he implemented the Arogya Mandir scheme, Ayushman Bharat, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras,' he said. 'Apart from that, the medical college infrastructure has also increased. 75,000 new MBBS seats have been added. Every district now has a medical college, and the number of medical seats is rising... Before 2014, there were only 7 AIIMS, but in the last 11 years, 15 new AIIMS have been established in the country,' he added. Murugan stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and urged citizens to reduce daily oil consumption by at least 10 per cent to lead healthier lives. 'India's medical infrastructure is growing rapidly, and many more development projects are in the pipeline. Every District should have a medical college,' he stated. Earlier on Sunday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta distributed appointment letters to 1400 nurses. CM Gupta said that the government is making efforts to tackle the shortage of medical staff and medicines. Rekha Gupta told the reporters, 'It is a matter of great joy that, after many years in the history of the Delhi government, appointment letters for permanent nursing staff have been distributed by the government. F For years, due to a shortage of staff, Delhi's hospitals have been running in a disorganised manner. The government has made significant efforts within its tenure to fill these vacancies, and today, approximately 1,400 nurses have been given appointment letters.'Delhi CM further congratulated the health department and the Health Ministry. (ANI)

AIIMS Paramedical admit card 2025 to be out today at aiimsexams.ac.in
AIIMS Paramedical admit card 2025 to be out today at aiimsexams.ac.in

Business Standard

time8 hours ago

  • Business Standard

AIIMS Paramedical admit card 2025 to be out today at aiimsexams.ac.in

AIIMS Delhi is expected to release the Paramedical Admit Card 2025 today, July 7. Candidates can download it from the official website, using their login credentials AIIMS Paramedical admit card 2025: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, is expected to release the AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025 today, July 7, on its official website – Candidates who have successfully registered for the exam can download their admit cards by logging in with their credentials. Originally scheduled for June 28, 2025, the AIIMS Paramedical 2025 examination will now take place on July 13, 2025, and will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. AIIMS Paramedical admit card 2025 date and time AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025 today, July 7, on its official website – at any time. How to check and download the AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025? Here are the simple steps to check and download the AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025: Visit the official AIIMS website, Click on the 'AIIMS Paramedical 2025 Admit Card' link available under the Notifications section. Log in using your Registration ID and Password. Verify the details displayed on the screen. Download and print the admit card for future reference. AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025: Key details Particulars Details Exam Name AIIMS Paramedical 2025 Conducting Body AIIMS Delhi Admit Card Release Date To be announced soon AIIMS Paramedical Exam Date 2025 July 13, 2025 Official Website Mode Online only Login Details Registration ID and Password Details Mentioned Applicant Name, Roll Number, DOB, Exam Centre, Entry Time, Instructions What are the details mentioned on the AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025? Here is the list of details mentioned in the AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025: Candidate's Name Roll Number Date of Birth Exam Date and Time Exam Centre Address AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025: Exam guidelines Carry a printed copy of your admit card along with a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN card, Passport, etc.) Arrive at the exam centre at least one hour before the reporting time Follow all COVID-19 protocols (if applicable)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store