'Labourers earn more than MBBS doctors': Kerala doctor's viral video sparks debate about medical profession

An Instagram video highlighting the salaries of MBBS doctors in Kerala has sparked discussion over employment opportunities and the growing number of medical colleges in the state. In the video, the user argues that low salaries, limited government vacancies and an increasing number of graduates could lead to oversaturation in the medical profession, while urging students to consider alternative healthcare careers.

Video questions salaries of MBBS doctors

The Instagram user claimed that some MBBS doctors in Kerala receive salaries of around Rs 20,000 per month, comparing it with labourers who earn about Rs 800 a day, or roughly Rs 24,000 a month.

According to the user, the salary disparity reflects the limited employment opportunities available to newly qualified doctors.

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A post shared by Dr. Harsh Sharma | M.B.B.S. , DNB | (@drharshneetpg)

Concerns raised over rising number of medical colleges

The user said Kerala has several government and private medical colleges, with fees at some private institutions reaching up to Rs 10 lakh.

He alleged that the government continues to sanction new medical colleges without adequately considering whether sufficient jobs will be available for graduating students.

He also argued that there are not enough government positions or private hospitals to absorb the growing number of MBBS graduates entering the workforce.

Students urged to explore alternative healthcare careers

The user said many students continue to pursue MBBS, often taking three or four gap years to prepare for the entrance examination because they believe it offers the most secure future in the medical field.

However, he advised students who are unable to secure an MBBS seat, or those willing to explore other options, to consider courses such as Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) and physiotherapy.

He claimed that the rapid expansion of medical colleges, coupled with limited employment opportunities, could result in significant saturation in the MBBS profession in the coming years.

Social media users offer differing views

The video prompted mixed reactions online, with several users disagreeing with the claim that India has an oversupply of MBBS doctors.

One user argued that the issue is not the number of doctors but their uneven distribution, stating that while major cities have a concentration of medical professionals, rural areas continue to face shortages. The user said the focus should instead be on expanding government hospitals, improving incentives for rural service, increasing postgraduate seats, ensuring fair salaries and making medical education more affordable.

Another user commented that a similar situation could soon emerge in Chhattisgarh as more medical graduates enter the workforce.

A third user shared an anecdote about meeting a graduate who chose to run a panipuri stall instead of taking up a job because he reportedly earned between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 or more a day from the business.

Another commenter disputed the salary figures mentioned in the video, claiming that BAMS doctors in Kerala earn around Rs 68,000 per month in government hospitals and Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 in private hospitals, depending on experience and expertise. The user also said many private MBBS practitioners earn more than Rs 1 lakh a month and suggested that the creator's experience may not reflect the broader medical profession.

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