On 1st July, Gujarat celebrated National Doctors’ Day, a day dedicated to honouring the hard work and commitment of doctors. This year, the state government highlighted the success of the Mukhyamantri Kanya Kalyan Nidhi (MKKN) scheme, which supports young women aspiring to enter the medical field. The MKKN scheme has provided over ₹162.69 crore in financial assistance to more than 5,000 female medical students for the 2024-25 academic year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the rapid development of women is crucial for India’s progress in the 21st century. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government has taken significant steps to empower women and ensure their right to education. The MKKN scheme aims to prevent financial hurdles from stopping young women in Gujarat from pursuing a career in medicine.
Since its launch in 2017-18, the MKKN scheme has helped 25,768 female students by providing ₹772 crore in assistance to help them become doctors. For the academic year 2024-25, the scheme originally aimed to support 4,500 students with ₹150 crore, but it has already assisted 5,155 students with ₹162.69 crore. The initiative offers financial support to female students from families with an annual income of up to ₹6 lakh who gain admission to MBBS courses after completing their 12th grade.
Many women, like Pratibha Chauhan from Jamnagar, have successfully pursued their dreams of becoming doctors thanks to the MKKN scheme. Pratibha, who completed her MBBS at Narendra Modi Medical College in Ahmedabad, shared her experience, stating, “The fees for private colleges are challenging for families with ordinary financial conditions. However, I learned about MKKN through senior doctors and applied. This scheme helped me gain admission to a private medical college, which was a significant financial relief. Over my four years of MBBS, I received ₹25,48,000 from the state government. Today, I am fulfilling my dream of becoming a doctor and preparing for my PG studies. My family and I are very grateful to the Gujarat government.”
Pratibha’s story is just one among many inspiring accounts of young women achieving their dreams of becoming doctors, thanks to the MKKN scheme. The Gujarat government continues to work tirelessly to educate and empower women, recognising their vital role in the country’s development.
As we celebrate National Doctors’ Day, it’s essential to acknowledge the dedication of doctors who tirelessly work to improve health and well-being in our communities. The MKKN scheme not only supports aspiring female doctors but also contributes to the overall health of the state by ensuring that more qualified medical professionals enter the workforce. Through these efforts, the Gujarat government is paving the way for a healthier and more empowered future for all citizens.
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