The politics of medical practice license and its impact on primary care workforce: international developments and Indian perspective

As a country India has to her credit the largest number of medical colleges in the world. More than 40,000 seats of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) are available annually but only a fraction would enter into primary health care vocation. It is a matter of common perception and also of great concern that a large majority of young Indian doctors are not willing to serve the rural, remote and underserved population. An observation on human resource policies of several developed countries reveals interesting patterns. Beyond willingness and interest of the medical students and young doctors, there are real factors which prohibit their engagement with the health care delivery system in India, especially in the area of primary health care.