Health Infrastructure – Doctors at Primary Health Centre from 1998 to 2021 in India, by State

The sanctioned positions for doctors at PHCs at the national level significantly increased from 24,476 in 2005 to 39,669 in 2022. However, the number of doctors in positions (30,640 in 2022) was significantly less than the number of authorised positions, resulting in a significant 9,451 vacancies. This indicates a persistent challenge in filling available positions despite increased sanctioned posts. Several large states showed concerning trends. Bihar, for instance, reported a massive gap between sanctioned posts (3,595) and filled positions (1,538) in 2022, with 2,057 vacancies. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, also showed a significant shortfall, with 1,558 vacancies in 2022 out of 4,448 sanctioned posts. This suggests severe challenges in healthcare delivery in these populous states. On the other hand, some states showed positive trends as well. Kerala consistently maintained a relatively better position with 1,503 doctors against 1,564 sanctioned posts in 2022, indicating effective recruitment and retention. Tamil Nadu also demonstrated strong performance, with 2,722 doctors in position against 2,986 sanctioned posts in 2022, showing relatively better staffing levels. Northeastern states generally reported smaller gaps between required and actual positions. Manipur, for instance, reported more doctors (308) than needed (74) in 2022, while Mizoram maintained a perfect match between requirement and position (57). This might indicate better retention strategies or more attractive working conditions in these regions. A concerning trend is visible in the shortfall figures. While some states have reduced their shortfalls over the years, others continue to struggle. Chhattisgarh, for example, showed a persistent shortfall problem, with 279 doctors short of the requirement in 2022, indicating long-term structural issues in healthcare staffing. Even though the overall national shortfall decreased from 1,004 in 2005 to 776 in 2022, the systemic challenges in meeting the required number of doctors at PHCs across India still remain a concern.  Union Territories generally showed better management of their healthcare workforce to maintain adequate staffing levels relative to their requirements. However, the new Union Territory of Ladakh faced significant challenges, with 54 vacancies out of 108 sanctioned posts in 2022, highlighting the difficulties in attracting healthcare professionals to remote regions.