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Goa to Benefit from Medical Seat Expansion Announced in Union Budget: Minister Rane

"The Union Budget has prioritized medical education, which was long overdue. Goa is expecting an additional 100 MBBS seats, which will greatly benefit aspiring medical students in the state.

• By Newsdesk
• Panaji
• Feb 05, 2025

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Goa is set to gain significantly from the central government's decision to increase medical seats across the country, State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Monday. His remarks followed the presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who announced the addition of 10,000 medical seats next year as part of a broader plan to expand 75,000 seats over the next five years.

Terming the move a "revolution in medical education," Rane highlighted its potential impact on Goa’s healthcare sector. "The Union Budget has prioritized medical education, which was long overdue. Goa is expecting an additional 100 MBBS seats, which will greatly benefit aspiring medical students in the state," he told reporters.

Beyond medical education, Rane also welcomed the government's plan to establish daycare cancer centers at district hospitals across the country. As per the Budget provisions, 200 such centers will be set up in 2025-26, with more to follow in the next three years. "Given the rising cancer cases, this initiative was the need of the hour," he added.

The minister further emphasized that Goa’s health and tourism sectors stand to gain from the government’s focus on medical tourism. With improved healthcare infrastructure, he believes the state will attract more international patients, boosting both its economy and reputation as a premier destination for medical treatment.

"The Budget reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a progressive India. With increased medical seats, enhanced cancer care facilities, and a strong push for medical tourism, Goa will emerge as a key beneficiary of these forward-thinking policies," Rane said.

The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a decisive step toward strengthening India's healthcare system, with Goa positioned to reap substantial benefits from these transformative initiatives.

(With inputs from PTI)