The Indian healthcare ecosystem has witnessed significant progress over the past three decades and now stands at a pivotal juncture, anchored by the principles of affordability, accessibility, and availability. These three pillars are essential for ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services, addressing cost barriers, physical reach, and the consistent supply of medical resources. Attaining these 3As is crucial for the sustainability of India’s healthcare system, meeting current demands while preparing for future challenges.

To achieve universal health coverage (UHC), the Government of India has implemented key policies like the National Health Policy 2017 and initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The recent launch of the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) further strengthens efforts by creating a robust digital health infrastructure. As India reimagines healthcare with UHC and NDHM, the acute shortage of qualified doctors remains a critical hurdle, highlighting the need for reforms in medical education to align with evolving healthcare needs and global standards.

Medical education is the foundation for addressing disparities in human resources for health. While efforts to strengthen undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses have intensified, disparities in educational quality and resources persist. Bridging these gaps is vital to ensure uniformly high standards for all medical graduates, ultimately supporting equitable healthcare delivery across the country.